Have you had a Petite Sirah lately? Petite Sirah is on the rise especially in California. Petite Sirah is also known as the French variety – Durif. The “parents” of Petite Sirah are Syrah and Peloursin.  The result is a grape that grows well in California with more than 6,000 acres of the vine. We tasted several Petite Sirahs while visiting California wineries.

Petite Sirah wines are a deep purple/black color. Even a drop on your hand will be obvious. The wines are robust with big flavor and full-bodied. Look for nuances of black cherries, blackberries, spices and more. Other word descriptors used to describe a Petite Sirah include inky in color and chewy. Enjoy a wine that pairs well with beef, cheese and chocolate. According to the website, P.S. I Love You, this grape produces wines that age well. If you haven’t tried Petite Sirah, give it a try, it may become one of your favorite wines.

Cheers! Kathy