East West Petite Sirah 2023
Classic Movie Pairing
It’s A Mad Mad Mad Mad World (1963)A full-bodied red is anything but subtle. Pair it with this outlandish comedy that puts it all out there. Featuring a veritable who’s who of comedians, this Stanley Donen directed film follows the antics of a group of treasure seekers as they tear up the countryside looking for a buried jackpot. The non-stop hysterics of a cast that includes Spencer Tracy, Milton Berle, Sid Caesar, Buddy Hackett and Ethel Merman will spin you east, west and all other directions of a compass.
THE WINE
Don’t let the name fool you…Petite Sirah is anything but petite. This grape variety remains rare, with only 10,000 acres planted in the entire world, mostly in California. But in-the-know wine enthusiasts adore the luscious, full-bodied red wines it produces. East West comes from a small, family-owned vineyard in the premium Lodi region (read more below). Look forward to ripe, concentrated black currant, blueberry and intriguing cocoa notes. A great bottle to enjoy on its own or with a wide range of foods (see over for our pairing recommendations).
THE GRAPE
Petite Sirah is also known as Durif (named for François Durif, the French botanist who first discovered the variety) and is most likely a crossing of Syrah and Peloursin that originates in France’s Rhône Valley. It’s a “grape that takes no prisoners,” says Tim Atkin, MW. Plantings are up 13% over the last five years, and no wonder. With its inky-black color and full body, the wines are hard to resist (just ask a member of its fan club, PS I Love You).
THE REGION
Lodi is “one of the top wine regions in the country,” where winemakers “have quietly started producing some of the state’s best wines” (vinepair.com). While the region’s famed for old-vine Zinfandel, it’s increasingly known for other top-notch reds. The warm climate is tempered by morning fog, helping prolong the grapes’ ‘hang time’ on the vine, for extra-concentrated flavors.
WITH FOOD
This bold, fruit-forward red will pair well with a wide variety of foods. Our California expert loves to sip it with carnitas tacos or bacon cheeseburgers. Other barbecue dishes, like pulled pork or saucy ribs, would be tasty, too. It’ll also pair well with richer poultry dishes, such as duck breast or roasted turkey. Vegetarians can enjoy it with hearty stews, risottos or pasta dishes.
What's Not to Love?
TCM Wine Club brings the magic of movies and wine together - all delivered right to your door. Your first case includes 12 delicious wines from around the world expertly paired with the classic films you love on TCM. Plus, enjoy our 3 BONUS CLASSIC MOVIE WINES!