Similarities of Petite Sirah & Shiraz
Petite Sirah and Shiraz are both full-bodied and bold red wines with their origins in France. Both of these varietals are also popular in the New World. Shiraz is the Australian name for the Syrah grape, which to avoid any confusion in the rest of this article, is an entirely different grape from Petite Sirah.
Both varietals are known for producing wines with high tannins and alcohol content. In the vineyard, their grapes are thick-skinned, large and dark purple/black. Petite Sirah and Shiraz also share a similar flavour profile, with notes of black pepper, dark fruit, spice, and hints of distinctly ripe flavours in their fruits.
Differences of Petite Sirah Versus Shiraz
Both of these varietals have enjoyed considerable success in the New World but in different regions. To be strict about it, Shiraz refers to Syrah which is grown in Australia, but the Shiraz/Syrah grape is grown across the world, including South Africa, South America and the United States. It is still widely cultivated in its home country of France, particularly in the Rhone Valley, where it is a famous grape for blending in GSM or Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines.
Petite Sirah, on the other hand, has all but faded into obscurity in France. It is rarely planted, and the majority of its modern-day vineyards can be found in California.
Petite Sirah is often used as a blending grape to add tannins and color to other wines. Alternatively, Shiraz is mostly used as a single variety wine, particularly when it is called Shiraz in Australia.
How To Distinguish Between Petite Sirah & Shiraz
Shiraz and Petite Sirah can both be extremely inky, dark wines and often show flavours of ripe dark fruit. The similarities pretty much stop there.
If you’re taking part in a blind tasting, one of the main things to look out for is the finish. Petite Sirah is known for having a short finish, where the flavours don’t linger for long on the tongue. Shiraz, on the contrary, usually has a perfectly long and pleasant finish. Petite Sirah tends to have a more tannic structure, while Shiraz will show more complexity and depth of flavour, particularly in its fruit flavours.
In a glass of Petite Sirah, look for flavours of black pepper, dark fruit, and a hint of spice. Shiraz wines have a fairly similar flavour profile but also show additional notes of chocolate, blueberries, and plums.
Petite Sirah vs Shiraz Comparison Chart
| Characteristic | Petite Sirah | Shiraz |
| Sweetness | Dry | Dry |
| Acidity | Medium | Medium |
| Tannins | High | Medium-High |
| Body | Full | Full |
| Tasting Notes | Black fruits – blackberry, blueberry and plum. Black pepper, black tea, liquorice and spice. | Black fruits – blackberry, plum, and blueberry. Meaty flavours, black olive, smoke, spice and chocolate. |
| Popularity | 8,100 Monthly Searches | 39,200 Monthly Searches |
| Calories Per Glass | 126 calories | 130 cal |
| ABV % | 13 – 16% | 13 – 15.5% |
Pairing Food With Petite Sirah & Shiraz
As full-bodied red wines, Petite Sirah and Shiraz are probably at their best when paired with hearty meats. They both have hints of spice in their profile, so they are excellent partners for spiced sausages, barbecued food, or a reliable steak. For a more in-depth exploration of these varietals best food pairings, take a look at our articles below.
