Milagro Vineyard and Winery: Crushing Grapes

What is Petite Syrah?

Petite Sirah; Petite Syrah
[peh-TEET sih-RAH, peh-TEET see-RAH]
Grown mainly in California, this red-wine grape was initially thought to be related to the renowned SYRAH of France's RHÔNE region. Some, however, believe it is actually a variety called DURIF, which was also grown in the Rhone but is now almost extinct. Petite Sirah produces a deep-colored, ROBUST, and PEPPERY wine that packs plenty of TANNINS and has good AGING ability. Although not as popular as CABERNET SAUVIGNON, PINOT NOIR, or ZINFANDEL, Petite Sirah does much better in California than in France and has a following among those who like BIG, full-bodied wines. Although in vogue during the 1970s, Petite Sirah's popularity has since diminished somewhat, and acreage throughout the state has subsequently declined. In addition to being bottled as a VARIETAL WINE, Petite Sirah is often blended with other varietals (ZINFANDEL, for example) to give them zest and complexity.

Milagro Vineyard and Winery

About Milagro Vineyard

What is Petite Syrah?

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Friday, January 29, 2010

Crushing Grapes