The Zaftig Wine with the Petite Name: Petite Sirah

As I've said before, there is nothing "petite" about Petite Sirah. This is a grape that produces big, blowsy wines with intense fruit flavors and a lushness that stands up to almost anything you throw at it--grilled steaks, hamburgers, chili, stew, and summer's favorite BBQ.

Finding a Petite Sirah for under $20 that doesn't tend towards the cough syrup side of the spectrum, however, can be a bit of a challenge. Lush is good, but syrupy is not.

If you like big, bold reds give one of these beauties a try.

2007 Concannon Vineyard Petite Sirah Conservancy Livermore Valley (suggested retail $15; available from $13) This is a dark and brooding Petite Sirah with plum and black cherry notes in the aromas. Your first sips will confirm that impression, but in the aftertaste the flavors linger and turn darker with a tarry edge that keeps the wine interesting. Very good QPR.


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Concannon Conservancy Petite Sirah

It has been a while since I’ve reviewed a Petite Sirah.  If fact, it’s been way too long and as I tasted this wine, I was reminded of how much I love Petite Sirah.  The rich flavors, deep color and silky feel are incredible.  And who better to revisit this variety with than Concannon.  After all, they were the first winery to varietally label Petite Sirah in the US back in 1961.

The name on this particular release from Concannon, “Conservancy,” is a nod to the efforts the winery has made to protect their vineyards from urban sprawl.  In 1996, Concannon was the first Livermore Valley vineyard to place its land into a permanent conservation easement.  Other vineyards have since followed suit to ensure that urbanization doesn’t threaten Livermore Valley as a wine producing region.

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