Winemaker Notes
The 2019 vintage was an excellent year for Petite Sirah because of the long and relatively cool ripening season with uniformed berry size and no significant shriveling. The wine is impressive with very dark, opaque color, beautiful nose of concentrated blue berries and blackberries that leads to a full body mouth feel with engagingly soft (for Petite Sirah) tannins. After short aeration, the nose opens with the addition of cocoa, slight earthiness followed by brown sugar and a touch of vanilla-contribution of the new oak barrels. Overall, the aromas are of fresh dark fruit and very attractive. Longevity, if stored properly, is one of the virtues of this variety and it will give you the most enjoyment in 5-8 years.
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The Trentadue family arrived in Sonoma County long before the region gained a reputation as the Wine Country. Life-long, hands-on agriculturists, Evelyn and Leo Trentadue contributed significantly to the advancement of their region over the years. In 1959, the Trentadues decided to flee the developers encroaching on their apricot and cherry orchards in Sunnyvale, the area known today around the world as Silicon Valley. To preserve their way of life, these hard-working Italian ranchers purchased 208 acres of land in Sonoma County's then remote Alexander Valley.
For over 55 years, they have been growing premium wine grapes, with some vines dating back to 1886. Their farming practices reflect their commitment to exceptional fruit quality and their stewardship of the land from which it comes. They strive to balance the traditions of the area’s early Italian growers and the ever-evolving viticulture industry. Sustainable agriculture is practiced, as they are stewards of their land and utilize all of the elements available to put the most they can offer into each bottle of wine while retaining the viability of their Estate for generations to come.
Nearly a northern extension of Napa Valley, Alexander Valley starts just north of the small, Knights Valley, and is just a few minutes drive from the Napa town of Calistoga. It is Sonoma County’s hottest AVA. But the Russian River, which runs through the valley, creates cooler pockets and its soft, alluvial soil is ideal for grape growing, especially Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, some believe that Alexander Valley Cabernets truly rival the best from Napa Valley and many of the heavy-hitter producers have largely invested here.
In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes up over 50% of plantings, Merlot and old vine Zinfandel thrive here. Ample, fleshy Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominate white wine production. Some old-vine plantings of Grenache have also been discovered and more recent experiments with Sangiovese and Barbera show great promise.
With its deep color, 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 after being imported to California in the early 1880s. Quintessentially recognized today as a grape of the Golden State, Petite Sirah works well blended with Zinfandel and finds success as a single varietal wine in the state’s warmer districts. Somm Secret—Petite Sirah is not a smaller version of Syrah but it is an offspring of Syrah and the now nearly extinct French Alpine variety called Peloursin.