You know Cabernet and Pinot Noir, but when was the last time you experienced a glass of Petite Sirah? Don’t let the name fool you, there’s nothing petite about this wine. It’s a bold red that demands attention, but it can be easily overlooked by those who don’t yet appreciate its big character, gorgeous ruby color, and rich, flavorful palate. Its ageability and broad pairing potential also make it a natural choice for wine lovers.
If you haven’t yet explored Petite Sirah, now is a great time to start. You’ll experience a wine that is flavorful and memorable with some of the best grapes grown in California’s wine regions. It’s a staple of American wine-drinking and boasts many options. We’d like to demystify Napa’s boldest classic and uncork what makes this red one of our favorite varietals.
The wine also plays an important role in the history of Stags’ Leap Winery. When Carl Doumani revived the winery in the 1970s, he crafted a Petite Sirah that became the estate’s flagship wine when most Napa vineyards were focused on Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s a bold decision that helped Stags’ Leap stand out from the others.
Stags’ Leap Winery also has some of Napa Valley’s oldest Petite Sirah plantings. These decades-old vines produced intensely concentrated fruit, which gives Stags’ Leap wines a unique depth and complexity.
Why Petite Sirah?
Petite Sirah is perfect for anyone who enjoys a full-bodied wine with a robust palate. The high tannins and acidity allow the wine to age for decades, making Petite Sirah an excellent choice for anyone interested in cellaring wines. As it ages, it develops more complexity and softer tannins.
Petite Sirah is our go-to wine for summer grilling. It pairs wonderfully with grilled steaks, barbecue, and rich, meaty dishes. It’s also versatile, working well with stews in the colder months.
A bonus? It’s a California classic. Though Petite Sirah has roots in France, it has thrived in Napa Valley for decades and become a cornerstone of California wine culture.
Where Does Petite Sirah Grow?
Petite Sirah grows well in warmer climates. It thrives in California, specifically the Napa Valley and Sonoma regions. Petite Sirahs grown in Napa Valley commonly boast blueberry flavors with cocoa and black pepper notes. Sonoma makes for deeper flavors with more earthy notes of espresso and mocha.
It also grows well in Australia because of the dry, hot climate. Australian Petite Sirahs have higher alcohol levels, more tannins (which leads to a more gripping mouthfeel), and are very dark in color.
Flavor Profile
Petite Sirah is a bright, big wine. It boasts a rich tasting experience with deep and complex notes. It's fruit-forward with dark fruit, such as blackberry, blueberry, and plum primarily on the palate. There are often more subtle notes of chocolate, cocoa, and vanilla that intertwine with more earthy elements and hints of spice.
The high concentration of tannins packs a punch, and the wine is almost always high in acidity. This makes Petite Sirah a perfect choice for wine drinkers who appreciate a glass with a big and bold mouthfeel.
A Wine that Benefits from Decanting
Petite Sirah is a wine you want to decant. Ideally, you should let it breathe for around two hours, though thirty minutes can be sufficient in a pinch. The decanting process will allow the tannins to soften and bring out more subtle notes on the nose. You’ll also notice that the wine’s palate will bloom more fully. Decanting Petite Sirah will enhance the wine’s vibrance and make for a more complex sipping experience.
Pairings
Bold wine pairs well with food that can stand up against it. To get the most out of your Petite Sirah, pair it with hearty red meat dishes. Our favorite is to pour a glass with well-spiced, roasted or barbecued beef. The tannins in the wine harmonize nicely with the meat’s flavor and fats.
An ideal dinner? Petite Sirah paired with a high-quality cut of steak. Grill or roast a sirloin and serve it with onion sauce, it’s an excellent option for entertaining others and serving a main course that wows.
Poultry is also a solid choice. Grilled chicken with a heavy cream sauce will stand up to the wine and create a bold, balanced flavor.
Hearty, grilled vegetables like mushrooms, eggplants, peppers, with black beans will also make the wine pop, especially if the vegetables are well-seasoned.
Cheese is tricky with Petite Sirah. Opt for something with a strong flavor and texture. We recommend well-aged Camembert, and blue cheese. A smoked Gouda is also a great choice.
Where to Start
Want to explore Petite Sirahs for yourself? We have a couple of bottles we recommend. Stags’ Leap Winery is an expert at cultivating the perfect Petite Sirah that delivers bold flavors, but with a pleasant drinking experience that anyone can enjoy.
2022 Ne Cede Malis Estate Grown Petite Sirah. Aromas from the 2022 vintage rise from the glass like a tuneful jazz arrangement: serene floral notes of rose and violet play first, then bergamot picks up the tempo, followed by a steady riff of raspberry and rhubarb that’s punctuated by a bass note blast of tropical papaya. On the palate, blood orange, raspberry, black plum, and dried blueberry flavors pop with a waft of hickory smoke that diffuses into a spectrum of wild sage, cocoa powder, and freshly roasted coffee bean.
2022 Napa Valley Petite Sirah. Alluring aromas of ripe blackberry, black raspberry, black cherry, and strawberries. The robust palate offers blackberry preserves, dark plum, Black Mission fig, warm vanilla, caramel, cedar, rustic earth, dried rose petals, and violet. Buoyant and bright with juicy acidity, rounded tannins, and a balanced structure, leading to a long, pleasing finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you recommend any recipes for Petite Sirah?
Petite Sirah would complement our Braised Short Ribs or our Gingersnap Pumpkin Pie. These dishes are big and bold enough to stand up with the wine and include flavors that complement Petite Sirah especially well.
What’s the best temperature to enjoy Petite Sirah?
Ideally, Petite Sirah should be served slightly cooled. Aim for 65°F; this will bring out the wine’s more mineral and floral flavors.
I don’t have a decanter. What should I do?
Household items such as a vase, pitcher, large mason jar, or glass measuring cup will work to decant wine in a pinch. However, make sure it’s cleaned and dried thoroughly before decanting. Bits of dirt and soap residue are not only unsanitary, but can also negatively impact the wine’s flavor. Remember, it’s always best to use unscented dish soap when cleaning wine equipment. Scented soap can impact the wine’s complexity and flavor.
