Robust grape variety grown in California. Produces very full-bodied red wines, especially in the North Coast counties.
(puh-tee see-rah) is a red grape grown in California. Not to be confused with Syrah.
(Peh-teet See-rah) - California red grape, probably the same as the Durif of the Rhone. Makes an inky-dark red wine that can last forever, but typically one-dimensional in flavor, with the warm, plummy notes typical of grapes grown in a warm climate.
Widely grown grape variety in California. Still thought by some to be the same stock as the minor french Durif grape, but recent DNA analysis has shown otherwise. Produces an dark red, tannic wine in the warm regions of California, used mainly as backbone for Central Valley "jug" wines. In the cooler northern regions can be made into a robust, balanced red wine of some popularity.
A deep, spicy wine, Petite Sirah has long been used as a blending grape as well as a standalone variety.
Petite Sirahs are red wines with firm, robust tannic tastes, often with peppery flavors. Petite Sirahs may complement meals with rich meats.
Dark red grape widely grown in California, now known to be identical to the French blending grape Durif. Makes a dense, dark red, tannic wine that lives for decades.
This red wine grape grown in California by many producers is not related to the French Syrah of the Rhone Valley. Its characteristics are deep color, pepperiness, full body, and good aging potential.
a red grape variety. Historically confused with the true Syrah of the Rhone Valley of France, Petite Sirah is actually most successfully grown in California. Often accused of being one-dimensional, Petite Sirah can be quite delicious in the hands of the right winemaker.
Sometimes spelled petite syrah, this varietal actually has nothing to do with noble syrah other than mistaken theory that it was the durif varietal from the home of syrah, the Rhone Valley of France. In California, however, this varietal thrives. Styles range from lavishly oaked Stags Leap at one extreme, rich but more food-friendly Guenoc in the middle, to the very accessible and fruity Bogle on the lighter end. Deep color, the same lip-smacking sweet-tart character of black and huckleberries, and sometimes a freshly ground black pepper character make up the character of the wine. Serve lighter versions with every day casual foods including meatloaf, barbecued tri-tip and grilled sausages. Serve the richer versions with rotisserie chicken, veal piccata, pork loin with mushroom cream sauce, or prime rib.
