Petite Sirah

Definition - What does Petite Sirah mean?

Petite Sirah is a red wine varietal originally from Hérault in the Rhone Valley of France. It is now planted and produced widely in California and Australia. Petite Sirah is more suitable to the conditions of California and Australia, rather than France, because of the drier climates. It is also planted in other dry places like Israel and other parts of South America. These wines are generally dry. Petite Sirah is also known as Durif from the name of the French botanist who first discovered it.

WineFrog explains Petite Sirah

During the mid 19th century, French botanist François Durif discovered the hybrid of two grape varieties- Syrah and Peloursin which resulted in the cross-pollination of Petite Sirah. Even though it was first grown in France, Petite Sirah grape vines are virtually extinct in France today.

The vines of Petite Sirah are strong and huge with large green leaves, hence explaining that the petite in its name is referring to the size of its berries, and not the plant. The berries, when used to make wine, are made to undergo long maceration periods, resulting in the wine being even more tannic, acidic and dry in flavor.