Confusion abounds when we drink wines made from similar sounding grapes. Syrah and Petite Sirah have caused much confusion, but they are as different as Shiraz and Durif! Syrah, the classic Rhone (France) varietal now grown in the new world successfully, gets its origins from the Middle East. Australia grows it as Shiraz, bowing to it Persian root. Characteristic flavors include black currant and blackberries, as well as smokiness and spice. Often used as a blending grape in the Southern Rhone (Chateauneuf-du-Pape or Cotes du Rhone), this grape stands principally alone in the North (try Hermitage or Cote Rotie) and in the new world.
Petite Sirah (various spellings) is a new name for a little know grape called Durif and is grown popularly today in California as a single varietal. It makes a full bodied, dark wine with notes of pepper and well structured tannins. When it is blended with other varietals, it adds zest and complexity. Durif also originated in the French Rhone but is thought to be virtually extinct there today.
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2 comments:
Just as cabernet sauvignon is the crossing of two varietals, cabernet franc and sauvignon blanc, durif(petit sirah) is the crossing of syrah and peloursin. Gotta love those "you got my peanut butter in my chocolate" moments in wine.
Best wishes on your blog, mayor and thanks for posting on a favored grape.
And even more interestingly, note that the Cab Sav crossing was accidental, and in the wild! The Sauvignon root translates roughly to "wild".
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