Petite Sirah

[Innkeeper]

There is an excellent cover story on petite sirah in the current edition (August/September) of “The Wine News.” They point out that several interesting things have happened to this formally misunderstood grape over the past year. First, the grape is now genetically proven to be one and the same as the Southern Rhone grape durif. Second, druif is the offspring of syrah and a grape called peloursin. If cabernet franc and sauvignon blanc can be crossed to produce cabernet sauvignon which is called a noble grape, and if pinot blanc and gouais blanc (gouais blanc!!) can be crossed to produce chardonnay which is called a noble grape; then certainly petite sirah can be called a noble grape. Third, the Rhone Ranger Association has recognized petite sirah as a Rhone variety.

Petite sirah can be produced in a ready to drink mode, but most need aging. Of three dozen bottles we’ve laid down eight are Pets. The article recommends the following procedure for decanting the more “formidable” Pets. Set bottle upright for several days. Decant all but the last ounce and discard the rest (I would pour it though a coffee filter). Let stand for an hour. Using the same procedure, decant it back into the bottle (or another decanter). Then gush it back into the first (cleaned) decanter, and let it sit another hour. Now you are ready to drink.

They evaluated several Pets. All but a handful are well over $20. Interestingly, the Bogle at $10 got a 90 rating! Also of interest, Georgie, Bogle makes a Petite Sirah Port!

For more information go to www.psiloveyou.org



[This message has been edited by Innkeeper (edited 08-28-2003).]