Petite Sirah

The Petite Sirah grape, also known as Durif grape, is a captivating viticultural presence grown predominantly in California and Australia, but originating from France. This grape is a cross between Syrah and Peloursin grapes, engineered by French botanist Dr. Francois Durif in the late 19th century - hence the alias.

Although its exposure was rather dim in France, once transplanted to other locations, it began to flourish under the Californian sun on the west coast of the USA whilst maintaining a modest footprint in Australia. Its deep colour tint and audacious flavour profile have made it an enduring favourite amongst wine enthusiasts.

What sets Petite Sirah apart from the crowd is its unusually high level of anthocyanins, which make its wines inky and extremely dark, so much so that it's nearly impossible to see through a glass filled with it. These wines are usually high in tannins, affording them notable ageing potential, and they're typically full-bodied with a punchy impact on the palate.

Flavour-wise, Petite Sirah wines bestow a broad spectrum of dark fruit touches with the likes of blackberry, blueberry and plum commonly surfacing. Moreover, they often carry a spicy edge of black pepper or licorice twang. Luxurious fragrances of intertwined dark chocolate and coffee are frequently exhibited in aged examples.

Growing Petite Sirah grapes requires ample sun and warmth, key contributors to the grape's bold flavour. However, the very attributes that make it appealing - thick skins, compact bunches - also make it susceptible to certain diseases, including powdery mildew. Thus, careful vineyard management is integral to its successfully yielding process.

Whilst it might not be a household name here in the United Kingdom, for those who appreciate intensely flavoured, full-bodied red wines, Petite Sirah presents an intriguing alternative to its popular cousins, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.

Buy Petite Sirah wine below.