Bold, Dark and Mysterious…

These are just a few words to describe our Clif Family Petite Sirah, a powerhouse wine in our line-up and one of our favorites for winter food pairings.

Petite Sirah is a somewhat overlooked grape varietal that is primarily grown in California and Australia. The small berries and tightly packed clusters result in a wine with intense dark color, high tannins and a spice-driven flavor. It’s a varietal that can stand on its own but is also used in blending to intensify a wine like Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Here at Clif Family Winery, we get really excited about the release of our Petite Sirah. We have been producing this wine as 100% Petite Sirah since 2009. The fruit is grown by Mike and Kelly Nichelini at their Gobbler Grove Vineyard in the eastern hills of the Napa Valley. The vineyard sits at an elevation of 1200 ft and is a warmer site, perfect for achieving the ultra-ripeness that we seek for this wine.

Deep, dark purple, the concentration in color is a good indication of the concentration on the palate. Aromas of dark, ripe plum and black pepper lead to a creamy and savory palate with intense concentration and depth. This wine is best suited for your richest and most decadent meal. The inky black color, supple tannins and intensely concentrated mid-palate make this hidden gem a perfect companion for your favorite winter dishes. Chef John suggests a tri-tip with a Blackberry-Peppercorn sauce.