What is Petite Sirah?
Petite Sirah is a deep purple, full-bodied red wine grape grown mostly in California that tastes like blueberry, blackberry, dark chocolate and black pepper, with big, firm tannins.
Despite the name, there's nothing petite about it. Petite Sirah makes some of the darkest, inkiest, most tannic red wine around. It's not the same as Syrah, though it's related: it's a cross of Syrah and an old French grape called Peloursin.
- Tastes like
- Blueberry, blackberry, dark chocolate, black pepper
- Sweetness
- Dry
- Where it's from
- California, especially Lodi and Paso Robles
- Price range
- About $12–25
- Serve at
- Cool room temperature, 60–65°F
- Bodylight → big
- Sweetnessdry → sweet
- Zingsoft → zippy
- Gripsmooth → grippy
What Petite Sirah tastes like
Blueberry, blackberry and plum with dark chocolate, black tea and pepper. It's dense and a little rustic, and it'll stain your teeth purple. The tannins are strong, so a young bottle can feel quite drying.
Where it comes from
Petite Sirah started in France as Durif, but it's barely grown there now. California adopted it, and it's often blended into Zinfandel and red blends to add color and backbone. Lodi and Paso Robles make most of the standalone bottles you'll find.
How to pick a bottle
You'll see it spelled 'Petite Sirah', and sometimes 'Durif' on Australian bottles. Bogle is the easiest one to find. If it feels too intense, open it an hour early or pour it into a pitcher to let some air soften it.
Like the big-and-bold idea but want something gentler? Try a red blend that includes Petite Sirah, which gives you the color and richness without as much grip.
What to eat with it
Go big: BBQ brisket, short ribs, grilled steak, smoked sausage, hearty chili. Strong, salty cheeses like aged gouda work too. Avoid light dishes; it'll flatten them.
Petite Sirah to try
Bogle Petite Sirah
about $12Petite SirahDrink this one
Inky, plush and chocolatey. The best place to start, and cheap.
Concannon Petite Sirah
about $15Petite Sirah
From a winery long tied to the grape in California. Dark fruit with a peppery edge.
The Prisoner Red Blend
about $50Red blend (Zinfandel-led, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Syrah)It's fine
A splurge blend where Petite Sirah adds the dark color and richness.
Keep reading
- What is Syrah?
- What is Zinfandel?
- What is a red blend wine?
- Shiraz vs Syrah: what's the difference?
- What wine goes with BBQ?
- What wine goes with steak?
Last checked 2026-10-11.