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Petite Syrah is a cross between Syrah and Peloursin, which is a rare French variety from the Rhone-Alpes region. Syrah, as we know, is a cross between Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche. Syrah and Petite Sirah come from different varieties and are therefore different wines altogether.
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Now it’s time to look at the difference between Syrah and Petite Sirah. Australian wines remain consistent and almost universally use Shiraz, with some exceptions. If the wine comes from a hotter climate, it may now say Shiraz on the label. If the wine comes from a cooler climate, wineries tend to label it as Syrah. Outside of Australia, you’re likely to see Syrah on the label.Ī recent trend, however, has changed this traditional labeling. Traditionally, Syrah wine in Australia is always called Shiraz. Slight confusion over the pronunciation of "Syrah" led to the name Shiraz, which remains to this day. The name "Shiraz" comes from the Australian wine industry, which first took shape in the 1830s when James Busby introduced vine clippings to vineyards around Sydney and South Australia. The difference lies in where they are produced. Syrah and Shiraz are made from the same grape. In addition to Napa and Sonoma Valleys in California, several valleys in Oregon and Washington State now produce excellent Syrah as well. Other than the Rhone Valley, these two areas have seen the most success with this bold grape. The early to mid-1800s brought about interest in producing Syrah in other parts of the world, namely Australia and California. It gained wider appeal in the 18th and 19th centuries, before experiencing a sharp decline during the 20th century. This wine has been a staple in the Rhone Valley for hundreds of years, especially around the town of Tain-l’Hermitage in the northern Rhone. The grape is dark-skinned and generally small, and it produces a bold, full-bodied, deeply red-purple wine with moderate to moderately high acidity and tannins. Syrah, which originated in France’s Rhone Valley, is a cross between two older grape varieties – Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche. What is the difference between Shiraz, Syrah and Petite Sirah? Are they the same wine and grape variety, just with different names? Not exactly. This confusion might grow when you see wines labeled Shiraz, which has a similar sound as well. Syrah and Petite Sirah are so similar in spelling and pronunciation that you might expect them to be similar wines. Things are changing, though, and these excellent wines are finally earning long-deserved mainstream recognition. While some wines like Pinot Noir or Chardonnay have been popular for generations, others like Syrah and Petite Sirah have remained on the fringes. From France to California to Australia, there are almost too many excellent options. As a wine collector, you have a lot to get excited about from the diverse array of exceptional wines on the market.
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