EPISODE · Feb 18, 2026 · 5 MIN
Petite Sirah vs Syrah: What’s the Difference? (California’s Boldest Grape)
from American Wine Rebel Show · host American Wine Rebel
Petite Sirah isn’t Syrah, and it might be one of the most misunderstood grapes in California. Today we're opening a bottle of Petite Sirah from Parducci Wine Cellars and breaking down what this bold, inky grape actually is, where it came from, and why Mendocino County might be one of the best places in America to grow it. We’ll talk about the history of Petite Sirah (also known as Durif), how it made its way to California in the late 1800s, and why it thrives in warmer inland valleys like those found in Mendocino County. Mendocino is often overshadowed by Napa and Sonoma, but it’s one of the most geographically diverse counties in the state, with mountain AVAs, coastal fog influence, and warm interior valleys that are ideal for powerful reds. Then we’ll taste through this Petite Sirah and talk structure and flavor. If you’re ready to break out of the world of the usual grapes and labels and try something off the beaten path, this one is for you. Suggested Chapters 00:00 – What Is Petite Sirah? (And Why It’s Not Syrah) 00:32 – The History of Durif in California 00:51 – Where Petite Sirah Is Grown Today 02:20 – Why Mendocino County Works So Well 03:34 – Parducci Wine Cellars 04:06 – Tasting the Petite Sirah 05:15 – Who Should Be Drinking Petite Sirah?
What this episode covers
Petite Sirah isn’t Syrah, and it might be one of the most misunderstood grapes in California.Today we're opening a bottle of Petite Sirah from Parducci Wine Cellars and breaking down what this bold, inky grape actually is, where it came from, and why Mendocino County might be one of the best places in America to grow it.We’ll talk about the history of Petite Sirah (also known as Durif), how it made its way to California in the late 1800s, and why it thrives in warmer inland valleys like those found in Mendocino County. Mendocino is often overshadowed by Napa and Sonoma, but it’s one of the most geographically diverse counties in the state, with mountain AVAs, coastal fog influence, and warm interior valleys that are ideal for powerful reds.Then we’ll taste through this Petite Sirah and talk structure and flavor.If you’re ready to break out of the world of the usual grapes and labels and try something off the beaten path, this one is for you.Suggested Chapters00:00 – What Is Petite Sirah? (And Why It’s Not Syrah)00:32 – The History of Durif in California00:51 – Where Petite Sirah Is Grown Today02:20 – Why Mendocino County Works So Well03:34 – Parducci Wine Cellars04:06 – Tasting the Petite Sirah 05:15 – Who Should Be Drinking Petite Sirah?
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Petite Sirah vs Syrah: What’s the Difference? (California’s Boldest Grape)
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