Tonight, we are tasting and learning about the red wine grape Petite Sirah.

In the past, I thought Petite Sirah must be just a small grape variety of Syrah. I was wrong. Well then, what is it?

The grape is also known as Durif, that is a cross between Syrah and Peloursin. The grape has thick skins which give the wine a dark color. Today California has about 12,000 acres planted to Petite Sirah, making it the 6th most planted red variety. California is the main location where the grape is grown. You will also find some in Australia, but very little remains in Europe.

Petite Sirah is known for having lots of fruit flavor, full-bodied, high tannins, and high alcohol. Acid is normally medium. Cooler climates will give you similar characteristics as Syrah such as pepper, cured meat, and violets.

I read the grape was many times misidentified before DNA testing showed what it really was.

Pairs with tomato-based dishes. Also pairs well with sharp cheddars, pecorino, or Parmigiano Reggiano.

Tonight, we are enjoying:

1. 2021 Criss Cross Wines Petite Sirah. I purchased this wine from a local wine store Gateway Market for $15.99. Aged in French and American Oak. 99.5% Petite Sirah, 0.5% other varietals. Comes from Clarksburg, California. 4.4 g/L residual sugar and has a 3.89 pH. Aromas of Black plum, cassis, chicory, spice. Flavors of black strawberry, raspberry, cinnamon, blood orange zest, mineral, bittersweet chocolate, and silky tannins. It received a 92 rating and a “best buy rating” from the Wine Enthusiast.  
2. 2021 Foppiano Estate Grown Petite Sirah. The wine comes from the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County. I purchased the wine at Gateway Market for $24.99. It received a 91 rating from the Wine Enthusiast. They say Juicy blackberries and black cherries are lightly accented by mint and chocolate. It is a full-bodied dark-colored wine. Tannins merge with fruit to produce a well-balanced wine.  

We really enjoyed both of these wines. If you like a dark, fruit-forward, earthy, spicy wine – you should give these wines a try. Both wines received very good scores from the Wine Enthusiast, and we both agreed and gave both wines a 4-rating. 

Next week, we are having a Bosnian wine.