Petite Sirah Wine

Although its origins are in France, Petite Sirah isn’t commonly found there today. It is a popular grape variety grown in North America (particularly California), Australia, and Israel. Vines can be found in Brazil, Chile, and Mexico, too.

Petite Sirah grapes produce deeply-colored, full-bodied red wines with rich black fruit flavors. Thanks to its high tannins and acidity, Petite Sirah has excellent aging potential, able to last 20 years after being bottled. It also has a firm mouthfeel and texture.

Because of its vibrant color and bold flavors, it’s an excellent wine for blending with other varieties that lack color, depth of flavor.

The grapes may be small, but they’re big in flavor. Like many other red wines, dark fruit flavors are typical in Petite Sirah wines, including:

• Plum
• Blackberry
• Cherry
• Blueberry

Alongside these fruity flavors, Petite Sirah also contains savory, smoky, earthy flavors, which help add depth and soften the sweetness of the dark fruits. These can include:

• Black tea
• Black pepper
• Dark chocolate
• Violet
• Tobacco
• Baking spices such as cinnamon and clove

Finding the right Petite Sirah for you comes down to where the grapes are grown.

When made in warmer climates, such as California, Petite Sirah wines have bold fruit flavors and high levels of alcohol.

Petite Sirah wines from cooler climates, such as Chile, are typically less fruit-forward and are instead earthier and smokier with a sour tinge.

With its full body and high tannins, Petite Sirah needs rich, bold, and fatty dishes to balance its weight and potential bitterness.

Meats like roasted pork, barbecued beef, and hamburgers are excellent pairings with Petite Sirah, as well as lighter meats in spiced sauces, like the Mexican dish Mole. For vegetarian pairings, think eggplant, mushroom, and black bean dishes. Caramelized onions can also pair well, thanks to their natural sweetness.

If you’re looking for a lighter option, try pairing Petite Sirah with grilled vegetables or a simple salad with a vinaigrette dressing.

For a truly unique pairing, enjoy Petite Sirah with chocolate or coffee. The bold flavors of the wine will complement the rich flavors of the chocolate or coffee-infused desserts for a wonderfully decadent experience.

Because of its high alcohol content, serving Petite Sirah too warm can risk dulling the flavors. Instead, chill slightly to around 65° F—just below room temperature.

Before serving, decant your Petite Sirah and leave it to breathe for two to four hours so its deep, fruity aromas can develop. It might be tough to wait that long, but the flavors will be worth it!