Petite Sirah

With its deep color, rich texture, firm tannins and bold flavors, there is nothing petite about Petite Sirah. The variety, originally known as Durif in the Rhône, took on its more popular moniker when it was imported to California from France in 1884. Since then, Petite Sirah has become known as a quintessentially Californian grape, common as a blending partner for Zinfandel, other varieties, or as a single varietal wine. It thrives in warmer locations, such as Lodi, Sonoma and Napa.

Tasting Notes for Petit Sirah

Petite Sirah is a dry, red wine. It is typically deep, dark, rich and inky with concentrated flavors of blueberry, plum, blackberry, black pepper, baking spice, leather, cigar box and chewy, chocolaty tannins.

Petit Sirah Food Pairings

Petite Sirah’s full body and bold fruit make it an ideal match for barbecue, especially brisket with a slightly sweet sauce or other rich meat dishes. The variety’s heavy tannins call for protein-rich food and strong flavors.

Sommelier Secrets for Petit Sirah

Don’t get Petite Sirah confused with Syrah—it is not, as the name might seem to imply, a smaller version of Syrah. It is, however, an offspring of Syrah (crossed with the obscure French Alpine variety, Peloursin), so the two grapes do share some genetic characteristics.