2023 Wood Family Vineyards Petite Sirah – Nothing Small About This Wine!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
Petite Sirah, as an educational note, is not a “smaller” version of Syrah as it is a wholly different varietal. The background on Petite Sirah is that it is the offspring of Syrah and Peloursin (a scarce and almost extinct grape) from northern Italy/Switzerland area. The varietal name is Durif and was first introduced in 1880. Petite Sirah possesses one of the highest levels of antioxidants. In the State Agricultural report for California, Petite Sirah represented only 2.3% in the 2024 harvest.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo by Don Lahey, The International Wine of the Month Club
Petite Sirah has a big bold structure accompanied by high tannins. Dark fruits abound in the glass akin to Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon but even more tannic profile! There might be a warning label on a bottle if you are not familiar with the varietal. This wine was opened a few hours before the meal and the first thing one notices is the dark and inky coloring in the glass.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Once in the glass, aromas of dominant blackberry compote and bramble waft into the senses. Once the first sip hits the palate, a tug-a-war begins with bold tannins facing off against the berry fruit. Secondary flavors of black pepper and subtle notes of vanilla (most likely from the barrels) smooth out the landing in the mouth. The finish provides scrumptious blueberries and dry earthen minerality that is long lasting.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The wine come in at 13.9% alcohol and will be released mid-June with an expected price of $40/bottle. The is 100% Petite Sirah from the Casa de Vinas vineyard. Only 107 cases were produced. Aged in 12.5% new Hungarian oak and 12.5% new American oak with the balance being neutral for 18 months.
The Food and Wine Pairing – “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Prepared this evening’s meal with a new recipe this evening called Pork Tenderloin Tacos. The wine was selected due to its full body with high tannins that did produce a little bitterness and with the rich pork created a perfect balance. The pork tenderloin was cut up in strips and marinated in olive oil, fresh lime juice, honey, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, dried oregano and kosher salt for 9 hours. Then cooked in a skillet on the stove and served with prepared flour tortillas, lime wedges and street corn salsa.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The salsa ingredients included roasted corn kernels, minced Jalapeño pepper with seeds, diced red onion, minced garlic, fresh squeezed lime juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro, cumin and kosher salt. With all the spices in the meal and smokiness, the Petite Sirah was an elegant match as boldness of the wine and the meal. Accompanied by refried beans and a fresh garden salad with multi-colored tortilla strips.
The Winery
Photo of Rhonda Wood (Winemaker) and Harrison Wood (VP)
Rhonda Wood, winemaker at Wood Family Vineyards, makes some exceptional wines from Livermore, California. The background on the winery can be found in another story at:
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2021/11/06/2018-wood-family-vineyards-chardonnay/
Rhonda and the family winery are small in comparison to some of Livermore’s known name wineries but have been regarded for twenty-five years as one of the top-quality wine producers.
From high in the sky to down to earth wines!! Yes Rhonda Wood, winemaker/owner of Wood Family Vineyards used to fly planes (US Airways) but now can be found in the vineyards tending vines. She and husband Michael (with their two sons), have a winery in eastern Livermore. Rhonda started making wine in 1996. Besides sourcing wine on their property, they have 17 specific vineyards which are manicured to their specifications throughout Livermore’s ideal climate.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly