Petite Sirah at our Lytton Springs Estate

Blog Post

September 2022

Petite Sirah Origin

French roots, yet uniquely Californian

Petite sirah’s history dates back to the mid-1860’s as a cross between syrah and peloursin that originated in the experimental vineyard of Francois Durif in eastern France. The grape became known as “durif” and was praised for its resistance to downy mildew. In 1884, the grape was inadvertently imported to Northern California as “petite sirah” and the name stuck. Petite sirah was popularized by California growers and winemakers who discovered its value in balancing the fruit-forward nature of zinfandel while adding color and tannin for longevity. It is uncommon in other parts of the world, aside from Australia, where it is known as Durif and produces similarly-structured wines loaded with dark fruit.

In California, petite sirah is a key component of many old-vine field-blends, acting as a great complement to the fruity notes of zinfandel. In a blend, petite sirah adds color, structure, and firm tannins, along with notes of plum, blueberry, chocolate, and black pepper, producing a well-balanced wine. On its own, petite sirah exhibits floral aromas, deep color, rich tannins, and has extraordinary aging potential.

Ridge History with Petite Sirah

Ridge produced its first petite sirah in 1970 from Butow Ranch, the first organic vineyard in Mendocino County. From 1971 to 2016 (when the vineyard was replanted to cabernet sauvignon), we also produced petite sirah from the famed York Creek Vineyard in Napa Valley. Small quantities of petite sirah were also planted at our Lytton Estate in Dry Creek Valley but were always included in our Lytton Springs bottlings. Discovering the potential to grow world-class petite sirah on the western half of our Lytton Estate, where the clay soils help to develop color and tannin, we produced our first 100% varietal bottling of Lytton Estate Petite Sirah in 2002, and have produced a limited bottling ever since.

Our Winemaking Approach

Not just a blending variety

At Ridge we take a unique approach to making petite sirah, with the goal of elegance and balance through restraint. We achieve this thanks to the great natural acidity at our Lytton West Estate, careful tannin management through a shorter maceration, and pressing before the completion of fermentation. The resulting wines are approachable when young, yet extraordinarily ageable.

Our Lytton Estate Petite Sirah has been a fan favorite for nearly 20 years, producing well-structured, full-bodied wines with notes of black and blue fruit, cocoa, bramble, baking spice and a long finish.

Petite Sirah Food Pairings

When pairing Petite Sirah with food, don’t be afraid to pair the wine with a menu as big and as bold as it is. Petite Sirah can stand up to rich or fatty foods and will pair nicely with bold, exotic spices and herbs.

Our Newest Release

2021 Lytton Estate Petite Sirah | 93 points

“The Ridge Petite Sirah from 115-year-old, gnarly, bush-trained vines at the Lytton Springs estate. Farmed organically and with a deference to the site’s tremendous history. The tannins are undeniable in this variety, known for its prominent structure, but Ridge manages to coax elegance from this burly big grape. That said, it is a wine meant to be drunk in time and is likely best after 2030. Big violet aromatics, boysenberries and dashes of white pepper leap forward. The palate shows a depth of fruit, a black peppery character aided by the tannins, with black tea, ripe, juicy fig flesh and notes of tart early-season blackberries finishing long and fresh.” -Clive Pursehouse, Decanter U.S. Editor (October 2024)