Petit Verdot & Papillon for the Holidays

What makes the best holiday gift? Chrysalis Vineyards wines, of course! We have the delicious Petit Verdot and Papillon back on our tasting menu, so now is the perfect time to try them in a flight or glass, and then settle in for those long winter nights to come.

Our 2016 Petit Verdot is always a staff favorite, and it has such wonderful dark cherry and peppery spice notes. The name Petit Verdot, French for “little green,” refers to the unfortunate habit of the grapes ripening too late in the season. Even in the optimal weather of the Bordeaux region, the grapes fail to develop and they remain “little green” berries. This French varietal has found a great home in Virginia wine country though, possibly due to the fact that our climate is more agreeable to the grapes than in France—but I won’t tell the Bordeaux Châteaus if you won’t.

The 2016 vintage of Papillon, (French for “butterfly”) is a blend of Petit Verdot and Tannat. The fruity and spicy characteristics of Petit Verdot as well as the tannic structure of Tannat, complement each other so beautifully and creates a very bold, robust, and complex wine. It is also aged in oak for a solid 17 months, so it takes some real willpower to let it age without trying enough samples to drain a barrel.

Both of these full-bodied reds will make excellent gifts, or great pairings with turkey, ham, brisket, or whatever else you’re planning for your holiday feasts!

Cheers!