Petite Sirah, also known as Durif, is a robust black-skinned grape variety renowned for its small, intensely colored berries, contributing to the wine's distinct personality. While it originated in France, it is now primarily cultivated in drier climates such as Australia, California, and Israel due to its preference for extended hang time and resistance to bunch rot in such conditions. The grape's preference for a dry and hot microclimate makes regions like Rutherglen, Victoria, an ideal location for its cultivation, as seen in Australia. In the winery, careful maceration is required to prevent over-extraction, while barrel-aging often involves American oak to complement its tannic structure. The wines produced from Petite Sirah grapes boast a characteristic deep, inky color, owing to... Read More