A Noble Event…Despite What the Critics Might Say

Posted by Tom Wark on Feb 5, 2007

I recall reading somewhere, probably in one of his books, that Robert Parker did not consider Zinfandel a "Noble Grape". What a great debate this would make. But that’s not my point. What I’m getting to is that if Zinfandel is not a "noble grape" then Petite Sirah probably can’t even claim courtesan status.

This of course is not the view of those who belong to PS I LOVE YOU, the Petite Sirah advocacy organization that is gearing up of their first ever consumer tasting: DARK & DELICIOUS.

On their website they are quite clear about their mission: "To promote, educate, and legitimize Petite Sirah as a noble varietal, with a special emphasis on its terroir uniqueness."

What makes a variety "Noble" is probably subject to debate…and a good one at that. However, what I think is undebatable is the unique character of Petite Sirah. If there was ever an opportunity to examine that uniqueness it’s probably at DARK & DELICIOUS:

Thursday, February 8, 2007

5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Rosenblum Cellars
2900 Main Street, Alameda, CA

$40 per person

I’m told there are about 100 tickets left and they should be going fast.   You can buy tickets at the PS I Love You website.

The really cool thing about this tasting is that each of the 30 Petite Sirah producers at the event will be paired up with a restaurant that will be serving a dish to match the Petite Sirah. Given the forceful style of the Petite Sirah grape and the wine it makes you can count on some pretty forceful food pairings.

A number of new Petite Sirah producers have come on the scene over the past decade or so. For a while there those of us who really loved this varietal kept going back to the versions created by Foppiano Vineyards, Concannon, Fieldstone, Bogle and Stags’ Leap. Happily we can still go back to these long time producers and advocates of this wine as they all continue to make great examples. But there are others now too.