Petite Petit – As It Turns Out, Not So Petite!
November 17, 2010
Grapes
A blend of 85% Petite Sirah and 15% Petit Verdot (hence the name, obviously).
Facts
The Petite Petite wine is a blend of the 2 grapes Petite Sirah and Petite Verdot. It isn’t considered “the norm” to blend these two grapes in this way, but the result it quite impressive!
Petite Sirah originally comes from France’s Rhône region where it is referred to by the synonyms of Durif or Petite Syrah, however in California the grape is mainly called Petite Sirah.
Petite Sirah has a high skin-to-juice ratio, which means that wines produced from the grape have high tannin levels, high acidity, and a decent ability to age.
Petit Verdot also hails from France, but in this case the Bordeaux region. It is therefore also one of the grapes that is allowed in California Meritage blends.
The Michael David Winery is named after 5th Generation winemaking brothers Michael and David Phillips.
I do have to say that I love a label with a story! If you pick up a bottle of the Petite Petite, take a good long look at the label, all of the Michael David wines are hidden in the label,
Here are just a few for you:
-To the bottom left is 7 Deadly Zins.
-The crack in the ground represents Earthquake Zin.
-The three blind mice are carrying cards numbered 7, 6, 7 for the 7 Deadly Zins, 6th Sense Syrah and 7 Heavenly Chardonnay.
-…and randomly if you flip over the bottle, one of the elephants has a Band Aid on the back of its neck. This is a reference to the movie Pulp Fiction, or so I’ve been told, I’ve only ever actually seen that movie once…
Place
The Lodi appellation was only approved for AVA (American Viticulture Area) status in 1986.
A large number of the winemaking families in Lodi have been in the region for 100’s of years.
The Lodi region is said to have a Mediterranean climate which therefore yields wines that are full bodied and fruit-forward. Subtlety is not a word that is used in the region much!
Lodi is mainly a red wine region with about 70% of the acreage being dedicated to red grapes. Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay account for the share of vineyard acreage.
Taste
Tons of upfront flavor, the wine manages to be big, but at the same time fairly medium-bodied.
Hugely jammy and rich with blackberry, blueberry, raspberry, and a whole heap of vanilla thrown in for good measure! The oak is well-integrated and doesn’t show through too much. The finish is fairly dry and medium in length.
The Petite Petit is what I would call a “crowd pleaser wine”.
Pairing
This wine has no problem standing on its own two feet, its big feet that is!
If you do want to pair it with something, think about burgers on the grill, bbq pork, prime rib, venison, spinach or eggplant. Generally heartier dishes with minimal spice will work great.
Price
Recommended retail is around $18.99
This entry was posted in Reviews and tagged Michael David Winery. Bookmark the permalink. ← Introducing Michael David Winery! Ruth’s Chris Ponte Vedra November Wine Dinner Menu →
