Petite Sirah
Dark. Dense. Unstoppable.
The Profile
What makes Petite Sirah unique
Flavors
Blueberry, blackberry, dark chocolate, espresso, tar, dried herbs
Body
Full
Dryness
Dry
Acidity
Medium to High
Tannin
Very High
Regions
Lodi, Paso Robles, Napa Valley, Sonoma County
Perfect Pairings
BBQ brisket, blue cheese burgers, beef stew, dark chocolate
What it tastes like
Petite Sirah is anything but petite. This is one of California's darkest, most concentrated wines—inky black in the glass, with explosive blueberry and blackberry fruit, dark chocolate, espresso, and a hint of tar or dried herbs. The tannins are massive, the body is full, and the finish goes on forever. This is a wine that stains your teeth and your memory. Despite the name, there's nothing small about it.
"Despite the name, there's nothing petite about Petite Sirah. This is California's darkest, most powerful wine."
Why it matters
Despite its name, Petite Sirah isn't related to Syrah—it's actually Durif, a French grape that found its true home in California. While it's rare in France, California has embraced it as a cult favorite. Lodi has ancient vines producing some of the world's best examples. The grape's thick skins produce deeply colored, tannic wines that age beautifully for decades. It's California's best-kept secret.
California Heritage
Petite Sirah isn't actually Syrah—it's the grape Durif, which is nearly extinct in France but thrives in California. Some vines in Lodi are over 130 years old.
Where it shines
Lodi is Petite Sirah country—old vines, warm days, and sandy soils produce concentrated, age-worthy wines with blueberry jam and chocolate. Paso Robles delivers powerful, fruit-forward expressions with massive tannins. Napa Valley crafts more polished, elegant versions—still big, but refined. Sonoma County offers structure and balance. And some of California's oldest vines are Petite Sirah, planted in the late 1800s and still producing.
How to choose
Look for old-vine designations—vines over 50 years old produce the most concentrated, complex wines. Lodi is the epicenter of great Petite Sirah. Check the vintage—this wine ages beautifully, so don't shy away from older bottles (10+ years can be magical). The tannins are always high, so pair with rich food or give it time to breathe. And seek out single-vineyard bottlings for the most distinctive expressions.
Pairs well with
Petite Sirah needs serious food. BBQ brisket with a charred crust can stand up to the tannins. Blue cheese burgers create a decadent match—the cheese's intensity mirrors the wine. Beef stew with root vegetables and red wine reduction is perfect. Even dark chocolate works—the wine's own chocolate notes create a luxurious pairing. This is not a casual wine—it demands bold flavors.
