Petite Sirahs were often on my mind in 2019, during which I tasted well more than a hundred. Nicole Salengo of Berryessa Gap Vineyards described how interplanting Primitivo and Peloursin (a Petite Sirah forebear) enhances the flavors in the Yolo County winery’s Petite.Tres Goetting of Robert Biale Vineyards extolled the diversity of microclimates and soil types Petite Sirah thrives in, also pointing out that controlling the varietal’s potentially wild tannins begins in the vineyard.Julie Johnson of Tres Sabores reminded us that Petite Sirah is “neither Petite nor Syrah” but that with its rich flavors it “is made for umami.” She proceeded to make mouths water as she suggested dishes a glass of Petite might elevate, among them duck with mole sauce and challa cheesesteak with pastrami and brisket.Miro Tcholakov of Miro Cellars detailed the “extreme viticulture” and cellar techniques required to produce Petite Sirah from grapes grown in the steep, soil-deficient terrain of Sonoma County’s Rockpile AVA.He also related how the grape evolved out of Rhône producers’ quest for a Syrah alternative following France’s late-19th-century phylloxera outbreak. Randle Johnson of Artezin Wines and The Hess Collection hailed Petite Sirah as “God’s gift to winemaking,” noting that in 1974 it was Napa Valley’s number-two red varietal.Panel members (continuing clockwise in lead photo from top left) added these observations: Too bad for those missing out because, as the panel and tasting illustrated, in the right hands this native French varietal makes lush, evocative wines. Significant progress, though this remains a “winemakers’ grape” more than a consumer fave. I Love You “Masters of Petite” panel and tasting at The CIA at Copia. Moderator Jo Diaz began the Downtown Napa event by informing attendees that when formed in 2002, the Petite Sirah I Love You advocacy group could only identify 62 Petite Sirah growers – now there are more than 1,100. Petite Sirah pearls of wisdom flowed like the deep-purple wine itself during the summer 2019 P.S. In the right hands this native French varietal makes lush, evocative wines.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |