Petite Syrah…Though its name might suggest that it is related to the Rhone varietal Syrah, the Petite Sirah grape has no real connection to the Syrah grape at all.
In the 1880’s a nurseryman, Dr. Durif, propagated the grape, and by the mid 1900’s it was growing in the Rhone valley of France. It is because of this nurseryman that the grape was actually known as ‘Durif’ in Europe.
There is a mystery as to how the ‘Durif’ grape received the name ‘Petite Sirah’. Many say that after prohibition, plantings of the Durif grape were put in the Monterey and San Joaquin areas of California with the thought that they were Syrah grapes. The grapes looked like Syrah up until harvest. The grapes continued to stay ‘small’ or ‘petite’, and therefore, the name Petite Sirah is said to have been formed. Don’t be fooled however; there is nothing ‘petite’ about Petite Sirah.
The Petite Sirah grapes for our 2008 vintage were harvested from Lodi, California. The Lodi region growers combine the best of tradition with the most modern advances of science and technology. It leads the industry in sustainable viticultural practices while preserving the land for generations to come.
Lynfred winemaker, Andres Basso, aged this unfiltered Petite Sirah in both American and French oak barrels for 30 months and it’s completely unfiltered. This handsome Petite Sirah is big enough to stand up to the bold flavors of lamb. If you’re having lamb this Easter, don’t forget this Petite Sirah!
Aroma: Warm and lush aromas of cinnamon, chocolate cream and oak.
Palate: There’s nothing petite about this Petite Sirah! Oaky flavors with hints of butter and cloves. A long and rich finish.
Foods: Spectacular with peppercorn steak, lamb, chocolate and tiramisu.
If you’d like to learn more about Petite Sirah visit the website: www.psiloveyou.org
