Synonyms exist throughout the English language-whether you say cap or hat, pail or bucket, bag or sack, you're basically talking about the same thing.

Synonyms exist in the wine world, too; for example, Shiraz and Syrah are the same grape, as are Fumé Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc as well as Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio. So when consumers see Petite Sirah and Syrah on a shelf, many think they are one and the same- just another one of those wine synonyms along the Shiraz/Syrah line.

Actually, they're not identical twins, but more like mother and son. Ampelographers (grape leaf geneticists) have identified that vines commonly called Petite Sirah in California are "Durif," a Rhône variety from France. This grape was named for Dr. Francois Durif, a nurseryman who named the grape after himself. Truth is, however, he probably had very little to do with the grape's discovery-a local bee or insect most likely cross-pollinated two different varieties in his nursery. Whatever the case, scientists today know that the Durif vine, or Petite Syrah as it was called in some parts of France because of the small, tight berries, is a cross of Syrah and Peloursin (another grape variety).

Petite Sirah was broadly planted in California at the turn of the 20th century and was a popular varietal used in red wine. But as time passed, its popularity waned, to be replaced by other grapes like Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. Nowadays, however, Petite Sirah is growing anew, with the help of advocacy groups like P.S. I Love You, spearheaded by wineries like Livermore's Concannon Vineyard and Sonoma County's Foppiano. Fans can check out Bogle's Petite Sirah, a readily available red full of Petite Sirah's characteristic berry fruit and of course, its signature dark color.