By Texas Wine on January 9th, 2023

What Does Petit Sirah Taste Like?

Petite Sirah is a red wine grape variety that is known for producing full-bodied, dark-colored wines with high tannin content. These wines tend to have flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and pepper, and may also have hints of chocolate or licorice. They are often described as bold and robust, with a long, persistent finish. Some people also detect a slightly spicy or herbal quality in Petite Sirah wines.


 

Where is Petit Sirah from?

Petite Sirah, also known as Durif, was created in the 1860s by Dr. François Durif, a French botanist and grape breeder in the commune of Tullins in the southeastern part of France. The grape is a cross of Syrah and the varietal Peloursin. It took on the name of Petite Sirah, perhaps due to a a clerical error when importing to California in the 1880s.


Where does Petit Sirah grow?

Petite Syrah has all but dissapeared from its homeland of France, and has since become a popular grape variety in the United States, particularly in the Napa Valley and Sonoma regions, and now Texas.

As a late-ripening varietal, it thrives in warm and hot climates.


Petit Sirah Styles of Wine

While it can be used to produce rose wines, Petite Syrah is primarily used to produce full-bodied and robust red wines. It is often used as a blending grape to bolster tannins and color, yet more and more single-varietal examples are being produced.


Petit Sirah Food and Wine Pairings

Petite Sirah wine, like its parent Syrah, pairs well with grilled or roasted meats. Its bold and full-bodied character complements the rich, savory flavors of BBQ, making it an ideal match.


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Author: Texas Wine
Petite Sirah

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