Petite Sirah

The story

Petite Sirah is NOT Syrah. It's Durif—a French crossing (Syrah x Peloursin) created in 1880 by Dr. Durif. California mislabeled it 'Petite Sirah' in the 1880s. The name stuck. Nobody corrected it.

Insider story

Dr. François Durif created Durif in 1880 (Rhône Valley) by crossing Syrah x Peloursin. It was disease-resistant and high-yielding. But the wine was inky, tannic, and hard to sell. France abandoned it by 1900.

Meanwhile, in California (1880s), cuttings labeled 'Petite Sirah' were planted. Nobody knew what 'Petite Sirah' was—maybe a small-berried Syrah mutation? DNA testing in the 1990s revealed 90% of California 'Petite Sirah' is Durif. But the name stuck. Changing it would confuse consumers.

California embraced it. Producers like Ridge, Stags' Leap, and Turley made cult Petite Sirah—inky-black, 15-16% ABV, massive tannins (4,000-5,000 mg/L). It's nothing like Syrah. But the name remains.

Technical deep dive

Petite Sirah (Durif) has tiny berries, thick skins, massive tannins (4,000-5,000 mg/L, among the highest). Color is nearly black (anthocyanins off the charts). Alcohol: 14.5-16% ABV.

Winemaking: extended maceration (20-35 days), American or French oak (18-24 months, 50-100% new). The wines are dark, dense, chewy—age-worthy (15-30 years).

Industry secrets

Some 'Petite Sirah' is actually true Syrah (mislabeled). DNA testing revealed 10% of California 'Petite Sirah' vineyards are Syrah, Peloursin, or unknown varieties. Labels don't disclose it.

For collectors

More red grapes

• Picardan
• Piedirosso
• Pignola
• Pignolo
• Pinot Meunier