# Lytton Estate Petite Sirah (2021)

- **Producer:** Ridge Vineyards
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Petite Sirah
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.1%
- **Average price:** €47
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black plum, blackcurrant, blueberry, black cherry, chocolate, vanilla, cedar, cloves, leather, tobacco, earth

## About this wine

The Ridge Lytton Estate Petite Sirah 2021 is a 100% varietal wine from Sonoma County's Dry Creek Valley. Ridge Vineyards, established in 1885, follows a philosophy of minimal intervention, allowing the vineyard's terroir to express itself. The Lytton Estate is significant for its historic Petite Sirah vines, with the oldest dating back to 1901, contributing to the wine's complexity and age-worthiness. The region's gravelly clay loam soils are conducive to growing grapes with substantial structure. The 2021 vintage was shaped by a dry winter and a warm August, which influenced the grape concentration and vine stress.

## Interesting facts

- Petite Sirah, also known as Durif, has French origins but found its true home in California.
- The oldest Petite Sirah vines on Lytton Estate were planted in 1901.
- Ridge uses native yeasts for fermentation, allowing natural expression.
- The wine is aged in 100% air-dried American oak barrels.

## Food pairing

The wine's robust tannins and full body are well-suited to rich, protein-heavy dishes. The tannins bind with proteins in the meat, softening the wine and cleansing the palate. Dark fruit notes in the wine can complement savory and slightly sweet elements in the food.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for the Ridge Lytton Estate Petite Sirah 2021 begins with whole berry fermentation utilizing native yeasts. Fermentation is managed with limited pump-overs, occurring once daily, and the wine is pressed before fermentation is fully complete. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for sixteen months in 100% air-dried American oak barrels, with a carefully selected proportion of new and seasoned barrels. The grapes are organically farmed and estate-grown, harvested by hand between September 1st and 24th.