Petite Sirah
Petite Sirah, also known as Durif, is a red varietal resulting from the cross of Syrah and Peloursin grapes. Petite refers to berry size, not flavor intensity. Petite Sirah vines are durable and mature well in many types of soil. Berries hang in tightly packed clusters, which often make them susceptible to bunch rot in damp or humid weather. Small berries equal a large juice to skin ratio. When produced with maceration, a technique in which grapes are crushed and the skins are left in contact with the juice for several days or weeks, the resulting wine is tannic and high in acidity. Although of French origin, Australia and California are the leading producers of Petite Sirah today. Over 3,200 acres are currently planted in California, including Monterey, Mendocino and San Joaquin County. Petite Sirah is often a heavy, full-bodied varietal wine with flavors of plum, spice and black pepper. Due to its dark purple color and rich flavor, Petite Sirah is often used as a blending grape to intensify Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir or to add complexity and body to “jammy” Zinfandels. Petite Sirah varietal wines and blends age very well and can endure cellaring of ten years or more.
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