Petite Sirah

Petite Sirah, also known as Durif, is a grape variety that is often underestimated, yet incredibly distinctive and deserving of recognition. Primarily grown in California, it is known for producing deeply coloured, rich and robust wines. This grape is the offspring of Syrah and Peloursin, but diverges from its parent, maintaining a character all of its own.

There is oft-caused confusion with the name Petite Sirah, as it implies a smaller or lesser version of Sirah or Syrah. Actually, the ‘petite’ refers to the size of the grape's berries, which are smaller compared to the typical Syrah. This smaller size gives a higher skin-to-juice ratio, leading to brawnier and more concentrated wines. This can often result in wines with substantial acidity, solid tannins and high alcohol percentage.

The flavour profile of wines made from Petite Sirah is particularly bold and intense. Common characteristics include blackberry, plum, black pepper and dark chocolate, often complemented by smoky and earthy undertones. Aging in oak barrels imparts a rich vanilla flavour to the wine.

As for food pairings, the strength of Petite Sirah-based wines makes them perfect partners for hearty, rich dishes. Spicy barbecued meats, rich stews or mature cheeses are all particularly good matches. The high tannin content in these wines lends itself well to ageing, with examples from good vintages potentially maturing for 10–20 years.

Despite its qualities, Petite Sirah has tended to keep a low profile, often used to blend with other varieties to boost colour and body. However, more recently, this grape's distinctive character has gained it a cult following. A growing number of winemakers in California have started releasing single-varietal Petite Sirah wines, which allow the grape's unique qualities to shine undiluted. Many connoisseurs and critics alike now rate it as one of the key red varieties to watch from the New World.

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