2013 Retro Cellars Petite Sirah

Pope Valley is not an official AVA, though if the vintners who grow grapes and make wine there have their way, it will someday gain AVA status. The area is 25 miles east of the Silverado Trail above Rutherford and St. Helena, near Lake Berryessa, and proposals by local vintners would include about 108 square miles of land. Elevation here ranges from 500 to 1,400 feet and temperatures are more extreme that Napa Valley appellations closer to water.

Despite its popularity, this grape is quite rare. Less than 10,000 acres are planted worldwide, with the bulk in California. In France, the grape is referred to as Durif. Not to be confused with Syrah, Petite Sirah is a cross of Syrah and Peloursin. The result is darker and fuller.