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A Guide to Petite Sirah Wine

Curious about branching out from your usual wine picks? Meet Petite Sirah—an intensely bold and beautifully complex wine that deserves a spot on your table. Whether you're a wine aficionado or just dipping your toes into the world of reds, Petite Sirah has something extraordinary to offer. Rich in flavor, steeped in history, and perfect for pairing with hearty dishes, this wine is worth getting to know.

petite sirah

What is Petite Sirah Wine?

Petite Sirah, often admired for its intensity, begins with a unique grape. It traces its roots back to the 1800s when a French botanist named François Durif crossed the Syrah grape with Peloursin, resulting in a new varietal. While the grape is formally known as “Durif,” winemakers lovingly coined the term Petite Sirah due to its small, tightly-packed berries.

Although it shares some characteristics with its Syrah parent, Petite Sirah is a distinct varietal with its own bold personality. First brought to the United States in the late 19th century, it found a home in California and quickly became a staple in the American wine scene. Today, this grape stands on its own as a fan favorite for those looking for robust red wines with a lasting impression.

The Flavor Profile of Petite Sirah

Pour yourself a glass of Petite Sirah, and you'll immediately notice its deep, inky purple hue—a visual hint of the powerhouse flavors you're about to experience. It's one of the most tannic red wines on the market, offering a bold structure and complex flavor profile.

Here’s what you can expect from a sip of Petite Sirah:

Fruit Notes: Big, dark fruit flavors dominate. Think ripe blackberry, blueberry, and plum.
Spice and Earthiness: Layers of black pepper, licorice, and subtle earthy notes give it complexity.
Rich Accents: Hints of dark chocolate, cocoa, and espresso add a velvety depth.

Petite Sirah has a naturally high acidity, making it a dense and mouth-coating wine. It's intense, but when aged properly—or decanted for at least two hours—the wine softens, revealing a more balanced and flavorful finish.

Winemakers also love using Petite Sirah in blends. Its tannic structure and bold nature are often combined with Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Syrah to enhance depth and flavor.

Pro Tip for Serving: Serve Petite Sirah slightly cool for the best tasting experience. Aim for around 65°F, and don't forget to decant it—the extra aeration makes all the difference in unlocking its full potential.

Where is Petite Sirah Grown?

Petite Sirah thrives in warm, dry climates. Its thick-skinned grapes are resilient and flourish in regions with plenty of sunshine. Here’s a closer look at the major regions producing this fantastic wine:

California

California is the undisputed leader in Petite Sirah production. Major areas like Napa Valley, Sonoma, and the Central Valley create standout wines:

Napa Valley: Known for powerful, fruit-forward wines. Blueberry and cocoa flavors dominate, often accompanied by a spicy black pepper finish.
Sonoma County: Cooler temperatures bring out earthier tones in these wines. You’ll find deep espresso and mocha accents alongside dark fruit.
Central Valley: Wines here are intensely fruity and smooth, with notes of blackberry, vanilla, and spice due to oak aging.

Australia

Thanks to its warm, arid climate, Australia has joined the ranks of impressive Petite Sirah producers. Known for their exceptionally dark color and higher alcohol content, Australian Petite Sirah wines are bold and fruit-dense, often perfect for fans of full-bodied reds.

Other Regions

Petite Sirah also grows in Chile, Mexico, and even Israel, each offering its own spin on the wine. If you want to truly appreciate its diverse potential, try sampling it from several regions for a global tasting tour.

petite sirah and cabernet with cheese and chocolate

How to Pair Petite Sirah with Food

Given its boldness, Petite Sirah pairs best with equally bold dishes. It's perfectly suited to rich, flavorful meals, especially those with savory or smoky elements.

Meats: Red meats are an obvious choice. Think barbecued ribs, grilled steak, or spice-rubbed beef. The tannins in the wine beautifully balance the fat and bold flavors of these dishes.
Poultry: Grilled chicken, especially when paired with a creamy sauce, can hold its own next to Petite Sirah’s intensity.
Vegetarian Options: Hearty veggies like roasted eggplant, charred peppers, and mushrooms are excellent partners. You could also try it with root vegetables like beets, sweet potatoes, or parsnips for a cozy fall meal.
Cheese: Pairing wine and cheese with Petite Sirah requires bold, aged cheeses like Gouda, blue cheese, or Camembert, which can match its powerful flavors.

Petite Sirah’s dense profile also makes it a perfect winter wine. Sip it alongside steaming stews, chili, or any dish that feels comforting on a cold evening.

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 2019 Petite Sirah is dark, inky, and dense, with layers of bramble berry fruit, touches of earth, and lovely floral tones interwoven with more savory notes of black pepper and cigar box spice, all supported by balanced oak integration. On the palate, ripe saturated flavors of cassis, blackberry preserves, blueberry creme, cherry kirsch, vanilla spice, and dark plum envelope the intense mouthfeel.

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To create a better experience for you across all of our brands, we’ll check this info with accounts across the Treasury Wine Estates Portfolio of brands: Beringer, Beaulieu Vineyards, Etude, Stags' Leap Winery, Sterling Vineyards, Penfolds, and The Wine Shop.

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