There’s a pachyderm in the house

THE WINES
2005 Petite Syrah
from Stag’s Leap ($32.49)
2005 Petite Petit
from Michael & David Phillips ($14.99)
2006 Petite Syrah
from Bogle Vineyards ($9.99)
2005 Syrah from
Bruce Wayne Winery ($11.99)
2004 Petite Syrah
from Castle Rock ($8.79)
Wines provided by Doris Szymanski of Club Liquor, Menahsa

By Betsy and Dave Krizenesky

The wine of choice tonight is petite syrah. This is the smaller version of what we know as syrah, yet they are two distinctly different grapes.

Only the experts enjoy discussing the how and when petite syrah arrived. For purposes of this article, we prefer to get right to the grape and the wines that come from it. 

Doris is quick to let us know that all things being equal, winemakers prefer small grapes because there is a high ratio of skin to juice. Since color, flavor and tannin come primarily from a grape’s skin, small (petite) grapes yield the most concentrated and flavorful wines. 
In preparing for tonight’s get together, Betsy read an article that extolled the virtues of a hearty wine like petite syrah being the cherished dinner mate to an equally hearty lamb shank casserole, a beef stew or a plain ole piece of barbecued tenderloin. Petite syrah qualifying as a big-bodied red, packed with fruit flavor, will be just great.
Of course the words “big bodied” and “steak” caught Dave’s attention immediately, so the plans for the accompanying dinner were set.

Doris was quick to agree and added that the grilling of a steak was key. Grilling is one of the best things that can happen to a good red wine. The sweet, charred flavor and slightly crusty texture grilling imparts makes any food more red wine willing.

Petite syrah is no exception to this procedure. With its primal, peppery, earthy flavors, petite syrah just begs for grilled steak, lamb or duck.

There is nothing petite about petite syrah. The wine has massive structure and brooding and rustic, sensual flavors, making it one of the best friends a grilled steak can have. 
 
Betsy threw together a fabulous green bean cold salad, buttered miniature Yukon Jack potatoes and a baby green salad. Dave was chomping at the bit.

Doris brought a bucketful of petite syrahs. We decided to try the most expensive first, a 2005 from Stag’s Leap ($32.49). The first sip was without the benefit of food. Surprisingly enough, no oohs and ahs around the table. Well, how about a little steak and potatoes? A little better, but nothing to lose sleep over. Maybe we weren’t experienced enough in the finer wines to appreciate the first sampling. Maybe not! 
    
The second bottle was the 2005 Petite Petit from Michael & David Phillips ($14.99) Yowza! Half the price of the Stag’s Leap and three times the enjoyment. This “circus” blend (our name because of the two circus elephants on the label) is smooth, fruity, rich, complex and is a pleasure from sniff to swallow.
The next wine was a 2006 Petite Syrah from Bogle Vineyards ($9.99). It too, could not hold a sip to  the wonderful circus petite syrah/petit verdot blend. The elephants were making it tough on all the rest of the wines in the bucket and kept it up all evening. It wouldn’t be fair  to continue to review the rest of the wines after the circus petite syrah, so we are leaving it at that.

This wine is to die for. The next day tight pockets Dave bought a case of this fabulous nectar. Nuff said? Our apologies to Doris, who always makes a great selection for us to sample.

Needless to say Betsy and Dave give four thumbs up on the Petite Petit magic wine. Go buy some, you’ll never regret it.