A Beginner's Guide to Petite Sirah Wine
The world of wine is full of options for you to explore. When you open a wine list or check out a list of bottles for sale, there are plenty of varieties that can satisfy most tastes. One that is sometimes overlooked is petite sirah wine. If you've never tried it or haven't had it in a while, here is what you need to know about this outstanding wine.
Defining Petite Sirah Wine
Petite sirah starts with a special grape. As you may have guessed by the name, the petite sirah grape is related to the syrah grape. In the 1800s, a botanist bred the syrah grape with the peloursin variety. The result is the petite sirah grape, which has small berries. Another name for this grape is the durif, a reference to the botanist who cultivated the fruit. When the vines came to the United States in the late 1800s, some farmers planted them alongside other grape vines. Because of this, wine made from other grape varieties was sometimes called petite sirah wine until scientists differentiated the vines just a few decades ago. Now, it has become a solid offering in the American wine market.
The Flavors of Petite Sirah Wine
A quality glass of petite sirah offers a rich tasting experience, with many deep and complex flavor notes. Some of the most prominent notes are fruity. Many bottles will have flavors of blackberry, blueberry, and plum. You will also notice tastes of chocolate or cocoa, as well as black pepper and other earthy elements. The dark purple-colored wine also packs a big punch as one of the most tannic wines. Many bottles have high acidity levels and are very dense. Expect an intense mouthful when drinking petite sirah wine. Overall, this is a bold wine for a drinker who is ready for a big experience. Aging the wine for a long time can improve drinkability. Due to its intensity, the petite sirah grape is often used in other red wine blends. Winemakers will often combine it with zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon, and even syrah. It gives those other varieties more depth and tannic value. To enhance the taste, make sure to decant your petite sirah. Try to wait at least two hours so the flavors can be fully appreciated. You should also serve this wine slightly cool for the best experience. Aim for about 65° to get the best mouthfeel.
Best Regions for Petite Sirah Wine
The grape grows well in hot and dry climates, so it has thrived in parts of the U.S. as well as Australia and South America. Each region's offerings are united by their general flavor profile but have a few distinct differences.
California
The petite sirah grape thrives in California. The famed Napa region produces great petite sirah wine. The wines from this area have intense color, so strong that they easily stain anything they come in contact with. Blueberries are a common flavor note for Napa petite sirah. You will also get lots of cocoa and black pepper. This is true of the 2018 vintage from Stags' Leap Winery. In the cooler Sonoma area of California, the wines have deeper flavors. The petite sirah here is more earthy and will have notes of espresso and mocha in the flavor. There is still a strong sense of fruit in these wines, with tastes of blackberry and plum. Petite sirah wine from California's Central Valley is very fruit-forward. The aroma of blackberry will lead the way, followed by black pepper notes. Oak aging will also impart a taste of vanilla with smooth acidity.
Australia
The petite sirah grape also does well in Australia, thanks to the nation's dry climate. The wine from these vineyards often has higher alcohol levels than American bottles. They are very tannic and very dark in color thanks to the deep hue of the grape. Petite sirah is also grown in Chile, Mexico, and Israel. To truly appreciate what this grape has to offer, try sampling petite sirah from various regions.
Food Pairings for Petite Sirah Wine
With such a bold wine, bold food is also appropriate. You can easily pair this wine with red meat dishes. Consider roasted or barbecued beef that is well-spiced. The tannic wine and sharp spices will play off each other nicely. Poultry can also work with petite sirah. Consider grilling chicken or serving it with a heavy cream sauce that can stand up to the wine. Petite sirah wine also works well with heartier vegetables and mushrooms. Again, roasting or grilling adds great flavor that is enhanced by the wine. Try your favorite root vegetables roasted or slightly charred or sauté your favorite mushrooms. Eggplants, peppers, and black beans are also good menu items if you have a bottle of petite sirah. Thanks to the heaviness of the wine, it is perfect to go with your favorite cozy, cold-weather meals.
Wine is often paired with cheeses, but that is a bit tricky with petite sirah wine. You will want something strong in flavor and texture. Aged gouda, camembert, and blue cheese are good choices for a cheese and wine night featuring petite sirah.
Stags' Leap Petite Sirah
If you haven't taken the time to explore petite sirah wine, now is the time. It is a flavorful and memorable option for anyone ready to expand their wine horizons. With the best grapes grown in California's wine regions, it has become a staple of the American wine-drinking experience and gives enthusiasts lots of options. Start your journey with this wine and see all the different ways you can enjoy it.
The Stags' Leap 2018 Petite Sirah exudes strong notes of blackberry, blueberry and black cherry fruits interwoven with more savory notes of black pepper and cocoa power. On the palate, juicy flavors of creamy cassis, macerated blackberry, cherry kirsch, black licorice, and peppery plum envelope the rich, saturated mouthfeel. This wine is smooth and silky with velvety tannins and a generous lengthy finish, encouraging you to enjoy it now, but has the depth and complexity to age for many years to come.
