Petit Verdot, although originating from the South West, is today predominately used in Bordeaux to bring spice to the wines, but only in small quanities, up to 6% (usually 2 to 3%). The grapes tendency to mature too late and todays demand for earlier maturing/new vintage wine has led to it being discarded by many Chateaux - In the 1960s most of the Petit Verdot vines in Bordeaux were uprooted and replaced with ones that would be quicker to mature; Merlot and Cabernet-Sauvignon.

Petit Verdots name translated into French describes the grape when it is typically grown in the cool season - 'Small green one', but when Petit Verdot is grown in the warmer parts of France such as in the Languedoc there is no problem.