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Feature Article
Petite Sirah, Petite Syrah...however you spell it, it’s a cultivar once in disfavor, pulled out or grafted-over. However, this long misunderstood variety is now finding the love from a growing group of passionate Petite producers.
Petite Sirah, the John Wayne of Grapes
Thick-skinned, passionate, All American, Petite Sirah is the Cultivar Conundrum
by Jo Diaz
November 10, 2008
hen is a cultivar not defined by its name? When it’s Petite Sirah. Although the berries are petite (hence how it became so named), its flavors are neither Petite, nor is the grape Syrah. As soon as Petite Sirah is poured from a bottle to a glass, the mystery begins. This is when we witness that the wine’s so big, black, bold, and beautiful that it becomes very clear (if that can happen through its inky colors) that this wine is light years away from anything petite and demure. Consequently, Petite Sirah has become the most misunderstood variety for consumers.
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