Petit Verdot is one of the minor grapes of Bordeaux that is now finding renewed success in the new world. American and Australian producers interested in making traditional Bordeaux blends have taken this once poor ripening grape and placed it in their warm and dry vineyards where it has flourished. Petit Verdot has small long clusters with thick skinned grapes that ripen late. It produces dark-colored wines with good tannin and acid levels. Petit Verdot can have characteristics of tropical fruit and Cabernet Franc pencil shavings when young and tends to develop floral aromas and spiciness as it ages. Petit Verdot is commonly blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, and is increasingly being produced as its own varietal wine in the U.S. and Australia.