Petite Sirah may very well be the Rodney Dangerfield of the varietals. Formerly, and still occasionally, known as Durif, this inky, dark, tannic monster of a wine generally takes a back seat to many other grape varieties in various blends produced by many winemakers around the state of California. There are a few brave souls, however who continue to make wines made solely or mostly with Petite Sirah out of devotion to its potential as a profound, powerful red wine.

Most of these intrepid winemakers are part of a society cleverly known as P.S. I Love You, whose annual tasting every year is about as undersold as the recent ZAPZinfandel festival is oversold. What this means, of course, is that if you have any interest in this grape and the wines it makes, youve got a great opportunity this coming week to find out a lot about tannin management (Petite Sirah is a heavily tannic grap, and part of the challenge in making wine from this variety is keeping the tannins in check).

So rather than fight your way through an evening’s commute in the East Bay, maybe you should just swing by and taste a little before making your way home. Over 25 producers of Petite Sirah will be pouring their wines, each paired with a specific food from local merchants and restaurants. Should be a good time.

P.S. I Love You Tasting
Thursday, February 8th, 2007
5:00PM – 8:00PM
Rosenblum Cellars
2900 Main Street
Alameda, CA 94501

Tickets are $40 and can be purchased in advance on the society’s web site or via phone: 707 620 0788.

Parking is a breeze in the area, once you get there.