Petite Sirah

Petite Sirah, or Durif as it’s known in France, is a grape that wears boldness like armor. It’s the result of a 19th-century cross between Syrah (Shiraz) and the lesser-known Peloursin, created by Dr. François Durif to combine Syrah’s robustness with resistance to downy mildew. The “Petite” in its name doesn’t refer to the berries themselves—they’re quite plump—but rather to the compact size of the grape clusters.

Although it originated in the Rhône region, Petite Sirah found its true stage across the Atlantic, especially in California, where Napa Valley, Sonoma, and Paso Robles became its primary homes. Smaller plantings exist in Australia, Chile, and Israel, but California has embraced it as a powerhouse varietal.

Viticulturally, Petite Sirah vines are hardy and disease-resistant. The grapes ripen late, needing warmth to fully mature. The berries have thick skins, which translates to intense color, robust tannins, and concentrated flavors.

In the glass, Petite Sirah delivers inky, dark purple wines brimming with blackberries, blueberries, plums, and hints of black pepper, chocolate, and sometimes floral notes. The palate is structured and bold, with tannins that give it longevity—cellar it, and it rewards patience with complexity and depth.

Petite Sirah is not a wallflower; it’s a wine built for power, ageability, and dramatic presence. It’s a favorite for those seeking a red that’s both intense and expressive, bridging its French heritage with the ripe, sun-soaked character of New World regions.