Occasio Winery Claims Another Heritage Varietal for Livermore

Petit Verdot Has 100 Year History in the Valley

Occasio winemaker and “vit-historian” John Kinney continues to seek out heritage varietals with a long history of exceptional performance in Livermore Valley and his latest discovery is sure to ruffle some Napa feathers!

Though Livermore’s historic importance in pioneering grape varieties like Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah are well documented, John’s research into Petit Verdot shows this varietal has substantial Valley history.

Petit Verdot had widely been thought to have arrived in California in 1975, with the first cuttings planted at Mount Veeder Winery in Napa Valley by the Bernsteins.

Researching the origin of the Mount Veeder planting, John found that the Bernsteins had received their cuttings of Petit Verdot from the UC Davis Field Plant Services, proving Petit Verdot had been planted in California prior to 1975.

John scoured the historical archives, paying particular attention to Theodore Gier, known in Livermore Valley for his experimental vineyard, having 250 acres planted to more than a hundred different grape varieties.

In one document, dating from 1914, Gier writes, “Among the above varieties, from which many of my finer grades of wine are produced, are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, [Petit] Verdot, Petite Sirah, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel.”

Were the first plantings of Petit Verdot in California’s Livermore Valley? John doesn’t yet know, but he is satisfied that the grape’s potential in the valley was recognized a hundred years ago.

John releases his 15 cases of 2009 Petit Verdot on the heels of his tremendous review of his 2008 vintage in the October 2011 issue of the Wine Enthusiast – scoring 92 points – no varietal labeled Petit Verdot has ranked higher in the 23-year history of the magazine.

Occasio Winery is committed to the Heritage varietals of Livermore Valley, with a focus on small and micro lot wines, only from Livermore Valley grapes to best achieve the most perfect balance and expression of the terroir, considered to be some of the finest in the country.