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

Examples of petite sirah in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
It’s best known for its zinfandels, and specifically, its old vine zins (many upward of 100 years old) but is also a major producer of cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, merlot and petite sirah. Nora Heston Tarte, Mercury News, 21 Oct. 2025 Wines that typically require aeration are full-bodied reds, like petite sirah or cabernet sauvignon. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025 The terroir and Delta breeze lent themselves to whites such as chardonnay, now Bogle’s flagship offering, and certain reds including petite sirah. Benjy Egel, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2025 El Dorado County wineries are best known for familiar favorite reds, including zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon and petite sirah. Benjy Egel, Sacramento Bee, 6 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for petite sirah

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

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Cite this Entry

“Petite sirah.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petite%20sirah. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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