Cast Wines

If you are a lover of big, bold red wines, this is one to try! This wine is one of only a handful of single varietal Petite Sirahs we’ve been lucky to feature. Frequently, this grape is used to blend with others, as it adds color and structure to wines. However, when made on its own, you get a powerful, inky, rich red wine and lots of depth and flavor.

Be sure to decant for about an hour before drinking. The first thing you’ll immediately notice is the color, followed by intense aromatics that jump right out of the glass. Inky and opaque, the wine shows off a luxurious, deep purple core with dark ruby/purple rim. Swirl it a few times and you’ll notice its high, wine glass-coating viscosity. On the nose, lots of rich ripe berry fruit, including blackberry preserves, dark cherry and plum. Go deeper and you’ll find notes of tobacco, cinnamon and licorice with a touch of incense and dried dark flower rounded out with a soft kiss of vanilla. The palate is medium/full in body, with palate coating tannins and mouth-watering acidity that grip the tongue and cheeks. These softened and integrated beautifully when I tried the wine the next day. Dark fruits and exotic spice are dotted with hints of smoke and earth on the lingering finish. Lots to discover in this one!

Petite Sirah is often used as a blending grape because of its richness of color and prominent tannins. As a single varietal wine, it is often powerful, with rich, concentrated flavors. To pair appropriately, look for foods with complimentary weight and power. Try smoked or roasted meats like beef, pork and lamb. A burger topped with smoked cheddar, BBQ brisket, moderately spicy Mexican cuisine or a savory beef lasagna are great too! Focus on cheeses including smoked Gouda, medium to sharp Cheddar, Pecorino Romano, Manchego or Muenster. Share your favorite pairing with us on Instagram by tagging @CellarAngels and #CellarAngelsPairings for a chance to win a $25 eGift card!