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Written by Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein

In the universe of queries regarding grape varieties, three questions seem to rise to the top with frequency. The first is the difference between Sauvignon Blanc and Fumé Blanc (none: it's the same grape). The second is the difference between Syrah and Shiraz (none; it's the same grape). The third is the difference between Syrah and Petite Sirah. Okay, pull up a chair. Often confused with "real" Syrah, "real" Petite Sirah is actually a grape called Durif named for Dr. François Durif who, in the 1800s, created this cross of the prized Syrah with the less prized Peloursin variety which originated in France's Rhône Valley. Ironically, there's almost no Durif and little Peloursin left in France. Further, the French discounted the potential for the new grape because they believed it produced sub-par wines lacking the same textures or aromatic complexities found in Syrah. Today, the grape known as Durif in France is only approved for planting in one appellation, Palette, in Provence.

Here in California, what we think is Petite Sirah is often something else again, since a deep dive into a vineyard of Petite Sirah may well yield the Durif grape field-blended with other varieties, including Carignan, Alicante Bouchet, Zinfandel, Grenache, and indeed Peloursin. Today, the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) recognizes “Durif” and “Petite Sirah” (proper spelling with an “i”) as interchangeable synonyms referring to the same grape.

But regardless of its pedigree or the way it's blended, Petite Sirah in California, aka Durif in Australia, has turned out some very good bottles over the years.

Petite Sirah (pə-ˈtēt \ -sə-ˈrä) has a devoted niche following. Some people love it for its sheer volume, the way it coats your entire mouth (and leaves your teeth stained a deep purple). Others embrace its rustic edge, which calls out for red meat and rib-sticking fare. Others just like to cheer for the underdog. For the curious or enamored, check out the website PS (Petite Sirah), I love you.

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Total Vineyard/Winegrape Plantings in California
11,964 Acres

Bearing and Non-bearing Acreage in California

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Total Vineyard/Winegrape Plantings in California
4,841.66 Hectares

Bearing and Non-bearing Acreage in California

(Year end 2020)

Signature Styles & Characteristics

Although any grape can be interpreted in innovative and, at times, outlying styles, the following chart/graphic represents the preponderance of what you will find California’s winemakers producing.

Dryness/Residual Sugar

Petit Sirah: 75 percent on a scale from Dry to of Dryness/Residual Sugar.
Acid (potential)

Petit Sirah: 85 percent on a scale from Low to High of Acid (potential).
Alcohol (potential)

Petit Sirah: 100 percent on a scale from Low to High of Alcohol (potential).
Body (weight on palate)

Petit Sirah: 100 percent on a scale from Low to Full of Body (weight on palate).
Texture

Petit Sirah: 100 percent on a scale from Gritty and Astringent to Round and Smooth of Texture.
Tannin

Petit Sirah: 100 percent on a scale from Low to High of Tannin.

Aromas/Flavors

Influenced by climate, terroir, clonal selection and winemaking.

Fruit

Blackberry, black raspberry, black currant, black plum, blueberry, black fig, prune, raisin
Vegetable

Beetroot, anise/licorice, green/black peppercorn, tobacco, rhubarb
Herbal/floral

Marjoram, oregano, laurel, mint, thyme, sage, rosemary, black tea, sarsaparilla, pipe tobacco or cigar box, violets, fennel seed
Earth

Dusty earth, mineral, graphite, potting soil, compost
Wood (oak)

Vanilla, clove, nutmeg, chocolate, smoke, coffee/ bean, mocha, cinnamon, toast, coconut
Other

India ink, iodine, seaweed, summer pudding, holiday fruitcake