🍷 Petite Sirah

Overview

Petite Sirah is a bold, deeply colored red grape variety that has found its true home in California. Despite its name suggesting a smaller version of Syrah, Petite Sirah is actually a distinct variety called Durif, created in 1880s France as a cross between Syrah and Peloursin. The wine is known for its inky purple color, massive tannins, and intense dark fruit flavors. While it nearly disappeared in France, California winemakers have championed this grape, producing powerful wines with exceptional aging potential.

Major Regions

• Lodi, California - Home to ancient vines producing rich, concentrated wines
• Paso Robles, California - Known for bold, fruit-forward expressions
• Napa Valley, California - Produces polished, age-worthy versions
• Sonoma County, California - Dry Creek Valley excels with the variety
• Australia - Known as Durif, producing similarly bold wines

Tasting Notes

Petite Sirah delivers an intense sensory experience from first sight to last sip. The wine's nearly opaque purple-black color hints at the concentration within. Aromas burst with blackberry, blueberry, black plum, and boysenberry, layered with notes of dark chocolate, black pepper, and licorice. On the palate, expect a powerful, chewy wine with dense fruit flavors, firm tannins, and a long, peppery finish. With age, the wine develops notes of leather, smoke, and dried fruit while the tannins become more integrated.

Fun Facts

• Petite Sirah gets its "petite" name from the small size of its berries, not from the vine or the wine's character—which is anything but petite.
• P.S. I Love You is an organization of passionate Petite Sirah producers and fans dedicated to promoting this underappreciated variety.
• Some California Petite Sirah vines are over 100 years old, having survived Prohibition by being used for sacramental and medicinal wines.

Serving Tips

Serve Petite Sirah at 64-68°F (18-20°C) after generous decanting. Young wines benefit from 1-2 hours of aeration to soften the formidable tannins and allow the fruit to emerge. Use a large-bowled glass that provides ample surface area for the wine to breathe. Petite Sirah's bold structure demands equally bold food—think charred meats, rich sauces, and aged cheeses. Well-cellared bottles can age gracefully for 15-25 years.