Though the names can seem confusing, Petite Sirah is not the same grape type as the Sirah or Shiraz grape. It was developed from the Duriff Rhône grape of France in 1870s. Petite Sirah is considered to be the result of a cross between Syrah and Peloursin, a minor Rhône variety. You may also come across a number of synonyms Petite Sirah is also known by: Dure, Duret, Plant Durif, Pinot de Romans, Bas Plant, Plant Fourchu, Nerin, Gros Noir etc.
Born in France, Petite Sirah does exceptionally well in California, where the climate is warmer, drier and more suitable for this grape. It also succeeded in northeastern Victoria, Australia. In the humid Rhône region of France, the grape had a tendency to mildew and was susceptible to gray rot.
