2007 Jessup Cellars Yolo County Petite Sirah

Yolo County is a 1,024-square-foot region northwest of Sacramento. It has traditionally been an agricultural area and produces about 90% of all the canned and processed tomatoes consumed in the U.S. Today Yolo is also attracting wineries, and there are now several dozen making most of the major California varietals, from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to Merlot and Zinfandel.

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.