Petite Sirah should be more popular than it is. After all, it satisfies many of the things American consumers want in a red wine: It tends to exhibit ripe, rich fruit flavors, tends toward a more robust palate, and its spice allows it to pair well with a wide range of foods. Petite Sirah also pairs well with other grape varieties, often giving blends a deeper color and a rich flavor. And while even the best wines rarely cost a fortune, they are relatively unspectacular—and this grape variety has the potential to deliver deep, pleasurable enjoyment. So which Petite Sirahs should you choose?
What is Petite Sirah wine?
Petite Sirah is a red wine made from the grape of the same name. Interestingly, it is not the same grape variety as Syrah, with which it is often confused. Petite Sirah is actually the same grape variety as France’s Durif, which is the result of crossing Syrah with a local grape variety called Peloursin. In practice, this actually means that Syrah and Peloursin are the “parent” varieties of Petite Sirah.
Where is Petite Sirah wine produced?
The origins of the Petite Sirah grape can be traced back to southeastern France, where it is known as Durif. Although Petite Sirah originated in California, it is best known for the regions where it is grown; the grape thrives on the Central Coast, where it is often blended with Zinfandel; in Temecula Valley; and in Livermore Valley, where producers such as Dante Robere and Concannon have produced notable Petite Sirah wines. Napa Valley and Sonoma also have high-quality Petite Sirah producers, including Gehricke, Girard, and Ovid. Also included in its famous blend of the same name by Prisoner, Petite Sirah also plays a major role in the blending of the Orin Swift Eight Years in the Desert red wine. Excellent Petite Sirah can also be found in Washington State and Australia.
Why Should You Drink Petite Sirah Wines?
With its intense aromas and flavors, Petite Sirah makes wines that are equally enjoyable to drink on their own or with food. In the summer, Petite Sirah and blends tend to pair well with barbecues, while in the winter, the richness and depth of flavor of these wines make them comforting and warming on cold, dark nights. Petite Sirah is also suitable for any budget: delicious Petite Sirahs can be found for less than $25, and there are more expensive options, many of which can be aged for a long time. Typically, wines that age best in the cellar tend to be less resilient when young and often need time for the tannins to soften. If you want to enjoy these special wines early, either decant them or pair them with foods rich in protein and fat.
Petite Sirah can work wonders in blends. Many producers use it even unnamed to add a deeper color and richer flavor to wines labeled as made from other grape varieties. Keep in mind that in the U.S., a wine only needs to be 75% of a single grape variety to have that grape variety on the label. For example, a bottle of wine labeled as Zinfandel can have up to 25% of another grape variety in it—and Petite Sirah is not uncommon in this regard.
What does Petite Sirah taste like?
Petite Sirah tends to have rich, fruity flavors like plums, blackberries, and occasionally blueberries and cherries. Sweet spice notes like vanilla, cinnamon, and cloves can also be discerned (especially if the wine is aged in new oak barrels). Notes of black tea and cigar tobacco are not uncommon, especially if the wine is a bit older. Sometimes, notes of candied violets can be present as well. Petite Sirah is relatively high in tannins, but the texture of those tannins varies by location, producer, and vintage.
Because Petite Sirah wines tend to be high in alcohol, it’s important to enjoy it at the right temperature. If served too warm, it will likely taste winey with cooked or stewed fruit. A little time in the fridge will work wonders, but don’t serve it chilled—otherwise, you may encounter tannins, which can seem woody and astringent. It’s a smart idea to enjoy Petite Sirah in a Syrah, Cabernet or Universal-style wine glass, while sipping it from the more prominent triangular shape of a Pinot Noir glass may add alcohol and upset its balance.
Five Great Petite Sirah Wines
Today, there are countless excellent Petite Sirah wines and blends on the market. The following five producers, listed alphabetically, are the best starting point for exploring Petite Sirah wines.
Carmel
One of Israel’s legendary wine producers, Carmel has been a leader in Israeli wine since it was founded in 1882 by Baron Edmond de Rothschild. Among many other wines, their Old Vines Petite Sirah, sourced from the Judean Mountains, is a ripe, full-bodied red whose plum and dark berry fruit flavors are perfectly balanced with sweet spice on the palate.
Dolpho
This excellent Temecula Valley producer offers a range of well-crafted wines, including Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zinfandel, and more. Their Petite Sirah Reserve 2018, the first vintage of this wine, is a full-bodied, dramatic red wine full of ripe plum and blackberry, baking spice, and toasted vanilla.
Foppiano
Foppiano Vineyards has long been one of the foremost producers of Petite Sirah in California. They are based in the Russian River Valley, which is known for Pinot Noir but also grows excellent Petite Sirah. The 2016 is in excellent form, with its plump and still-strong tannins giving it rich flavors of plum and kirsch. This wine proves that Petite Sirah can age gracefully.
Ridge Vineyards
Ridge has long been a key player in the growth and success of the California wine industry—2022 is actually their 60th anniversary. From their signature Montebello to their excellent Lytton Estate Petite Sirah and even an outstanding Grenache Blanc, they seem to have it all. Bringing together 69% Zinfandel, 20% Carignan, 8% Petite Sirah, 2% Alicante Boucher, and 1% Mataro, the 2020 Geyserville is everything you’d want from such a blend: rich and ripe, with great structure and length, sparkling with flavors of blackberry, mouthwatering cranberry, Ancho spiced dark chocolate, and lingering minerality and baking spice.
Mettler
Mettler was founded over a century ago, and to this day, their reds still showcase the potential of Lodi. The 2018 vintage still features purple fruits and crushed blueberries, but with hints of orange oil, sarsaparilla and candied violets. This is a wine that will be perfect for the cellar or at your next barbecue.
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- Is Syrah a Good Sipping Wine?
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