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Petite Syrah (or Petite Sirah / Durif) is an exceptionally powerful and dark red grape variety that has achieved its greatest recognition in California and other New World regions. These wines surprise with an inky-black color, very firm tannins, and deep aromas of forest berries, black plums, and fresh pepper. It is an ideal choice for fans of rich, massive wines.
Read moreThis is a wine of immense power, so when seeking the best balance, it is important to pay attention to the aging methodology used by the winemaker.
Naturally, this variety has a massive amount of tannins, which can seem harsh in a young wine. The best Petite Syrah wines always spend an extended period in oak barrels. The oak helps the wine oxygenate, softens its tannins, and enriches the drink with elegant notes of vanilla, dark chocolate, and coffee. Such wines boast incredible longevity.
Such a "muscular" wine demands gastronomy rich in proteins and fats. It pairs fantastically with fire-roasted meat dishes: beef steaks, BBQ ribs, smoked sausage, hearty game stews, and sharp, aged cheese.
No, they are different, albeit related, varieties. Genetic studies have proven that Petite Syrah (whose true French name is "Durif") was created by crossing the classic "Syrah" grape with the very rare "Peloursin" variety. From its noble parent ("Syrah"), it inherited deep color and pepper aromas, but it features even firmer tannins.
The word "Petite" refers not to the wine's lightness, but to the exceptionally small size of this grape's berries. Small berries mean less juice and a much higher skin-to-seed ratio during pressing. It is for this precise reason that such a massive amount of color pigments and tannins enter the wine during fermentation.
