South Coast AVA is an appellation that includes vineyards in five counties in Southern California. Those counties are Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego. The designation was established in 1985. There are about 3,000 vineyard acres within the appellation.
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.