So, you think Petite Sirah is simply a more “petite” version of Syrah? Think again. Petite Sirah (a.k.a. Durif) is actually a distinct grape variety – a crossing of Syrah and Peloursin created by Southern French botanist François Durif in the mid-1800’s. In recent years, wines made from this packs-a-punch grape have become more popular than ever; so much so, in fact, that an industry advocacy named “PS I Love You” was formed in 2002 for the sole promotion of Petite Sirah. Despite Petite Sirah’s popularity however, it is an exceptionally rare grape with less than 10,000 acres planted worldwide. Lucky for us, the vast majority of plantings reside in California with the Lodi Appellation being the largest cultivator at approximately 2,000 acres. This Valentine’s Day, you can declare your love for Lodi Petite Sirah along with dozens of other handcrafted Lodi varietal wines during the 19th annual Wine & Chocolate Weekend, February 13 & 14 (LodiWineandChocolate.com). Here are three Lodi Petite Sirah wines worth keeping an eye out for:
D’ART WINES 2013 LODI PETITE SIRAH
Inky and full-bodied, this quintessential Lodi Petite Sirah shows graceful tannins that are softened and complimented with fruity blackberry and black cherry. Hints of smoke, chocolate and a touch of hazelnut make this beauty the perfect wine to serve by the glass or bottle alongside creamy wild mushroom risotto, chicken in rich mole sauce or barbecued beef burgers topped with melted Swiss cheese. ($24) DArtWines.com
M2 WINES 2013 VIÑEDOS AURORA VINEYARD LODI PETITE
SIRAH
Sourced from the Viñedos Aurora (roughly translated to “first light of day”) Vineyard in Lodi’s Clements Hills sub-appellation, this dark and velvety Petite Sirah captivates your taste buds with flavors of blackberry, blueberry and licorice. Eighteen months of aging in heavily toasted American Oak barrels adds spicy notes of coffee and caramel, making this wine an ideal partner to grilled short ribs with blackberry BBQ sauce or a wedge of smoked cheddar cheese. ($28) M2Wines.com
MICHAEL DAVID WINERY 2013 LODI “PETITE PETIT” PETITE SIRAH
Don’t be fooled by the cartoon-like label, the 2012 vintage of this stunning wine just earned the number two spot on Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s coveted Top 100 Wines of 2015 list. While the vintage has changed, the depth and complexity of this ruby-black wine has not. Generous tannin smoothed out by plummy aromas and notes of peppery bacon provide the perfect backdrop for smoked bratwurst sausages, braised beef brisket or roasted vegetable stew. ($18) MichaelDavidWinery.com
WHERE TO FIND THESE WINES:
Pick up these Lodi wines from the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center, 2545 W. Turner Rd., Lodi, (209) 365-0621. Open daily 10am-5pm. LodiWine.com