Bottlings that are 100% Petite Sirah comprise a tiny segment of California wine production, and most of these examples stay true to its characteristic taste descriptors. These are rustic, chewy wines that pack a flavorful punch for typically not much money.

A few wineries have managed to coax some elegance from this rustic varietal, producing wines with less tannin and bite while retaining the rich wild berry fruit and spiciness.  

Many wineries see Petit Sirah’s real value in its ability to add color, structure, and rich dark fruit flavors to blends, especially with Zinfandel, which has similar flavor characteristics and is well served by Petite Sirah’s tannin structure and darker color.