Wine
Petite Sirah
Produced almost exclusively in California in limited quantities, this distant cousin of true Syrah produces hearty, firmly structured wines that rarely achieve the polish and elegance of most other noble red varietals.
Flavor Descriptors
Typically dark, tannic, and full of heady black berry fruits, brambly peppery spice, and a mouth-filling intensity, with a handful of examples offering a relatively smoother and more supple texture.
Food Pairings
Hearty flavorful beef dishes, barbequed ribs, barbequed brisket, burgers, and spicy Mexican dishes.
Buying, Storing, & Serving
Petite Sirah should be served at room temperature. The more structured styles will benefit from being poured into a decanter and allowed to breathe for up to one hour before serving.
The majority of Petite Sirah is meant to be consumed within two to five years of vintage date, although some more tannic examples may last up to eight years.
Store bottles in a cool, dark place. While it is now common for wine makers to use plastic corks or screw-top closures which may be stored vertically or horizontally, those with the traditional corks should be laid on their sides to keep them moist.