Wine 101 The Fascinating Petite Sirah

Discover the true identity of Petite Sirah, a grape that has often been misunderstood and incorrectly linked to its cousin, Syrah. Unravel the history, flavors, and the mission to legitimize this unique grape, exploring its journey from France to California.

Decoding the Confusion

• Petite Sirah is not a young Syrah (Shiraz), despite the confusingly similar names and their familial relation.
• Originating from the Durif grape, discovered in 1860s France by botanist Francois Durif, Petite Sirah has distinct characteristics.
• The grape’s journey to California led to a renaming; winemakers found “Petite Sirah” more appealing than “Durif.”

Petite Sirah’s Origin Story

• Discovered by Francois Durif, Petite Sirah resulted from a Syrah vine crossing with another during pollination.
• Francois Durif named the new grape after himself, given his role in its discovery.
• California embraced Petite Sirah, recognizing its similarities to Syrah, leading to the grape’s introduction to the region.

The Rise of Petite Sirah

• California and Israel stand out as the primary producers of high-quality Petite Sirah globally.
• The grape has faced criticism from some wine professionals for lacking establishment, leading to the formation of the P.S. I Love You organization.
• P.S. I Love You seeks to elevate Petite Sirah’s status, focusing on promoting, educating, and legitimizing it as a noble wine grape variety.

Distinct Characteristics and Pairings

• Petite Sirah boasts deep flavors of blueberry, chocolate, pepper, and spice, complemented by high tannins and acidity.
• Ideal for pairing with curries and rich, meaty dishes, Petite Sirah delivers a unique tasting experience.

10 Facts about Petite Sirah

1. Petite Sirah is often mistaken for a young Syrah, despite being a distinct grape.
2. The confusion in names is attributed to the California wine industry’s marketing choices.
3. The grape’s origin lies in the Durif grape, discovered by botanist Francois Durif in France in the 1860s.
4. Petite Sirah is a result of a cross between a Syrah vine and another during pollination in Durif’s greenhouse.
5. Francois Durif named the grape after himself, a common practice in the discovery of new grape varieties.
6. The grape traveled to California, where it was recognized for its similarities to Syrah, leading to a renaming.
7. California and Israel are the primary global producers of high-quality Petite Sirah.
8. P.S. I Love You, an organization in California, aims to raise the profile of Petite Sirah and legitimize it as a noble grape.
9. Petite Sirah’s flavors include blueberry, chocolate, pepper, and spice, accompanied by high tannins and acidity.
10. The grape is celebrated for its uniqueness, distinct from its cousin Syrah.

Since you made it here…Interesting Wines to try

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• Elevate your tasting experience with this captivating Merlot

2019 Chappellet Merlot Napa Valley

• Inky richness, bursting with toasty cacao, espresso, and grilled vanilla
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2019 Cuvaison Arcilla Merlot Los Carneros – Napa Valley

• Pure evocation of strawberries with evolving tea-like tannins
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2019 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot Napa Valley

• A beautiful expression with sweet tannins and well-integrated oak spicing
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2019 L’Ecole No. 41 Merlot Walla Walla Valley, Washington

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2019 Northstar Premier Merlot Columbia Valley, Washington

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2019 Ridge Vineyards Estate Merlot Santa Cruz Mountains

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2018 St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery Rutherford Estate Vineyards MerlotNapa Valley

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2019 Vérité La Muse

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