Petite Syrah (Californie)

Much like Malbec, Petite Sirah is the product of France but it found its home in places with a much warmer, dryer climate like Israel, Australia, and the United States. Petite Sirahs tend to be highly tannic and highly acidic. They exude strong blackberry notes, as well as a good kick of cracked black pepper. The grape was developed by Dr. Francois Durif in the 1870s as a hybrid grape that wasn't susceptible Powdery Mildew. He named the grape Durif, though confusion about the strain later led to it being named Petite Sirah. Petite Sirah has mostly been utilized as a blending grape as it contributes body, depth and is adept at toning down excessive “jaminess”, though in recent years it has been given more of an opportunity to shine as a dominant varietal. Like many big juicy red wines Petite Sirah pairs well with steaks, roasts, game and barbecued meat.