A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Petit Verdot
A key grape in Bordeaux blends, pronounced with French flair but an American accent.
petit verdot
PET-ee VER-doh
/ˈpɛti ˈvɜr.doʊ/ · PET · i · VER · dot
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also discussed in wine reviews and by sommeliers explaining grape varietals.
Where the word comes from
The name comes from French, meaning 'little green' or 'small green', likely referring to the grape's tendency to ripen late and sometimes remain greenish.
Common ways people get it wrong
- PET-it VER-doh The 'it' sound in the first syllable is often mistakenly added by English speakers unfamiliar with French pronunciation, where the 't' is soft.
- PEE-tee VER-doh The 'e' in 'petit' is short, like in 'pet', not long like in 'Peter'.
Frequently asked
Is Petit Verdot a red or white wine?
Petit Verdot is a red wine grape. It's one of the six permitted red grapes in Bordeaux blends.
What does Petit Verdot taste like?
Wines made with Petit Verdot are known for deep color, firm tannins, and aromas of blackberry, violet, and sometimes licorice or ink.
How do you pronounce the 'verdot' part?
Pronounce it like 'VER-doh', with the stress on the first syllable of 'verdot' and a clear 'oh' sound at the end, similar to how you'd say 'go'.
