Petit Verdot is one of the most intense and full-bodied red varietals you can find, originally from Bordeaux where it's used in small amounts to add colour and structure to blends. This McLaren Vale expression showcases the grape's natural power with dense dark berry flavours, firm tannins, and remarkable concentration. Unlike lighter reds, Petit Verdot delivers an almost chewy texture with layers of spice, herbs, and dark chocolate that can stand up to the richest foods.

Pirramimma was among the pioneering Australian wineries that planted Petit Verdot during the experimental 1980s boom, when many producers were exploring this challenging but rewarding varietal. Their mature vines, now over 40 years old, have weathered decades of changing wine trends and developed the deep root systems that produce incredibly concentrated fruit. This heritage bottling celebrates both the winery's foresight and the exceptional quality that comes from these established, low-yielding vines.

This powerhouse wine demands equally robust companions - think slow-braised beef short ribs, grilled lamb with rosemary, or aged hard cheeses like vintage cheddar. The wine's intense tannins and dark fruit flavours can handle rich, fatty meats and strong flavours that would overwhelm lighter wines. Game meats, barbecued steaks, and even dark chocolate desserts make excellent matches for its bold character and coffee bean notes.

Serve this wine at cellar temperature (16-18°C) and decant it at least an hour before drinking to allow the dense tannins to soften and the complex aromatics to emerge. With its full-bodied structure and high-quality fruit, this 2022 vintage will continue developing for 8-12 years if stored properly in a cool, dark place. The wine's intensity means it benefits from breathing time, so don't rush to drink it immediately after opening.

The 90-point scores from both professional critics and Vivino users indicate this is an exceptional wine that stands out even among premium McLaren Vale reds. These ratings reflect the wine's complexity, balance, and aging potential - particularly impressive for a varietal that can sometimes be overly aggressive in lesser hands. The consistency between professional and consumer ratings suggests this wine delivers both technical excellence and immediate drinking pleasure.