 Despite the similar name, ampelographers believe there is no direct genetic relation between Gros Verdot and Petit Verdot.While ampelographers once believed that Gros Verdot originated with Petit Verdot in the Gironde region, DNA testing in 2007 showed that the grape likely originated as a wild grapevine domesticated in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region.The name "Verdot" stems from the French word "vert" meaning "green" and is thought to reference the acidic, unripe flavors that the grape can have if not given a long growing season to full ripen before harvest.