petite sirah

noun

petite si·​rah -sə-ˈrä How to pronounce petite sirah (audio)
variants or less commonly petite syrah
often capitalized P&S
: a dry red wine of spicy fruitiness made from a grape grown chiefly in California
also : the grape

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The first collection includes a red blend ($16) of cabernet with merlot, petit verdot, and petite sirah, a white blend ($16) of sauvignon blanc with a hint of chardonnay, and a limited reserve red blend ($40) that is matured for 22 months in French oak barrels. People Staff, Peoplemag, 21 Mar. 2023 Nebbiolo/cabernet sauvignon/petite sirah? Jay Mcinerney, Town & Country, 24 Jan. 2023 There’s nothing really petite about petite sirah. Washington Post, 18 Nov. 2021 This Equinox Red is a blend of petite sirah and merlot, with a splash of zinfandel, sourced from Paso Robles, Mendocino and Lake County. Dave Mcintyre, Washington Post, 22 Dec. 2022 Carol Shelton’s work with old-vine zinfandel helped inspire this Rhône-style blend of carignane, grenache noir, mourvèdre, alicante bouschet and petite sirah, varieties that are often intermixed with zinfandel in California’s oldest vineyards. Washington Post, 3 Mar. 2022 Vino Tintoque’s current portfolio includes wines made with petite sirah, cabernet sauvignon, carménère, cabernet franc, merlot, marsanne, roussanne and viognier. Michael Alberty | For The Oregonian/oregonlive, oregonlive, 15 Feb. 2022 Scott Kirkpatrick never cared much for petite sirah. New York Times, 21 Oct. 2021 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'petite sirah.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French petite syrah, literally, little syrah (a grape variety)

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of petite sirah was in 1887

Dictionary Entries Near petite sirah

Cite this Entry

“Petite sirah.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petite%20sirah. Accessed 6 Jun. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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