Petite Sirah
Also known as: Durif, Petite Syrah
Summary
Petite Sirah (properly called Durif in France) is a deeply colored, intensely tannic red grape variety that has found its spiritual home in California despite French origins. Created in the 1880s by Dr. François Durif through crossing Syrah × Peloursin, the variety produces some of the darkest, most tannic wines of any commercial grape. With approximately 4,000 hectares in California alone, Petite Sirah has become a specialty variety prized for its inky color, powerful structure, and exceptional aging potential.
Identity & Synonyms
Official Name: Durif
VIVC Database: VIVC Entry #3671
Prime Name: DURIF (VIVC)
Berry Color: NOIR (Black/Blue-black)
Synonyms:
- Petite Sirah (California—primary usage)
- Petite Syrah (alternate spelling)
- Durif (France, Australia)
Historical Confusion: California “Petite Sirah” historically included multiple varieties; DNA studies confirmed most is true Durif.
Genetic Origin / Pedigree
Origin: France (created 1880s)
Parentage:
- SYRAH × PELOURSIN (DNA-confirmed)
- Created by Dr. François Durif in southeastern France
- Named after its creator
DNA Verification: Yes - parentage confirmed through microsatellite analysis.
Historical Documentation: Created 1880s by Dr. Durif; brought to California late 19th century; became established in New World while declining in France.
Global Distribution
Total Area Planted: ~6,000 hectares globally
Top Producing Countries (ha):
- USA - ~4,000 ha (California dominant)
- Australia - ~800 ha
- Israel - ~500 ha
- Mexico - ~300 ha
California Distribution:
- Paso Robles: Emerging center
- Napa Valley: Premium production
- Sonoma: Quality examples
- Lodi: Volume and value
Viticulture
Phenology:
- Bud burst: Medium
- Flowering: Medium
- Véraison: Medium to late
- Harvest: Late
- Growing season: 175-195 days
Vigor: Medium to high.
Fertility: Medium - 1.5-2.0 clusters per shoot.
Typical Yield:
- Premium California: 25-40 hl/ha
- Standard: 50-70 hl/ha
- Low yields: Essential for quality
Disease Sensitivities:
- Powdery mildew: LOW (advantage)
- Downy mildew: Medium
- Botrytis: LOW (thick skins; tight clusters)
Climate Fit:
- Optimal: Warm to hot
- Growing Degree Days: 2,400-3,200 GDD (base 10°C)
- Requires significant heat for ripeness
- Drought tolerant
Soil Preferences:
- Well-drained: Essential
- Limestone: Structured wines
- Sandy loam: Finesse
- Clay: Power (if well-drained)
Enology
Typical Must Parameters at Harvest:
- Sugar content: 24-27 °Brix
- pH: 3.4-3.8
- Titratable acidity: 5.0-7.0 g/L
- Potential alcohol: 14-16% ABV
Extreme Color and Tannin:
- Among DARKEST wines produced
- VERY HIGH tannin content
- Small berries = high skin-to-juice ratio
- Color extraction rapid and intense
Maceration:
- Duration: 14-35 days
- Temperature: 26-32°C
- Extended maceration for tannin polymerization
- Cap management: Balance extraction
Oak Aging:
- Extended aging essential (18-36 months)
- American oak traditional; French increasing
- High new oak tolerated (tannin integration)
- Large format reducing
Aging Potential:
- Standard: 5-15 years
- Premium: 15-30+ years
- Exceptional vintages: 40+ years
- Significant bottle development
Sensory & Chemical Markers
Chemical Composition:
- Total anthocyanins: 1,000-2,000 mg/L (EXTREMELY HIGH)
- Total tannins: 5.0-8.0 g/L catechin equivalents (EXTREMELY HIGH)
- Color intensity: Among highest of all varieties
Key Aroma Compounds:
- Fruit: Blackberry, blueberry, plum, black cherry
- Spice: Black pepper, licorice
- Earth: Tar, leather, mineral
- Oak influence: Chocolate, coffee, vanilla
Sensory Profile:
Young Petite Sirah:
- Visual: Inky purple-black (opaque)
- Aromatic: Intense dark fruit, pepper, earth
- Palate: Full body, VERY high tannins, concentrated, powerful
Aged Petite Sirah (10+ years):
- Visual: Deep ruby to garnet
- Aromatic: Leather, tar, dried fruit, chocolate, tobacco
- Palate: Resolved tannins, complex, elegant, very long finish
Common Enological Issues
Extreme Tannin Management
- Cause: Very high tannin content; thick skins; small berries.
- Risk: Astringent, harsh wines if poorly managed.
- Decision point: Extended aging; gentle extraction; micro-oxygenation; blending.
High Alcohol
- Cause: Requires significant sugar for full ripeness.
- Risk: Fermentation challenges; unbalanced wines.
- Decision point: Yeast selection; fermentation management; accept style characteristic.
Color Precipitation
- Cause: Very high anthocyanin content.
- Risk: Heavy sediment; color stability during aging.
- Decision point: Extended maceration for polymerization; appropriate fining; extended barrel aging.
Over-Extraction Risk
- Cause: Aggressive extraction in powerful variety.
- Risk: Excessively tannic, imbalanced wines.
- Decision point: Gentle extraction protocols; shorter maceration for fruit-forward styles.
Operational Considerations
Harvest timing:
- Full phenolic ripeness essential
- High sugar typical (26-28°Brix common)
- Balance sugar and tannin maturity
Fermentation:
- Extended, warm fermentation
- Yeast selection for high alcohol tolerance
- Careful extraction management
Aging program:
- Minimum 18-24 months in oak
- Extended bottle aging (1-3 years) before release
- Benefits from decanting when young
Blending:
Key Regions & Appellations
Paso Robles AVA (California)
Status: Emerging center for variety
- Climate: Warm; significant diurnal shift
- Characteristics: Powerful, ripe, age-worthy
- Growing recognition: Premium single-vineyard wines
Napa Valley AVA (California)
Status: Historic plantings; premium production
- Characteristics: Refined, structured
- Old vines: Some dating to 1880s-1920s
Lodi AVA (California)
Status: Volume production; old vines
- Characteristics: Value-oriented; some premium old-vine wines
- Old vines: Significant heritage plantings
Australia (Various)
Status: Minor variety (as Durif)
- Regions: Rutherglen, Barossa
- Characteristics: Powerful, tannic; blending component
Research & References
-
VIVC (2025). “Durif - Vitis International Variety Catalogue.” Entry #3671
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Meredith, C.P., et al. (1999). “The identity of Petite Sirah.” AJEV 50(3): 236-242. AJEV Link
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Robinson, J., Harding, J., & Vouillamoz, J. (2012). “Wine Grapes.” Penguin Books. Publisher Link Durif/Petite Sirah entry.
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P.S. I Love You (Petite Sirah advocacy) (2025). https://www.psiloveyou.org
Last Updated: January 6, 2026
Research Grade: WSET Diploma / Master of Wine level