Q: What’s the difference between Petite Sirah and Syrah?

A: Syrah and Petit Sirah are two different varietals of wine and are even spelled differently. DNA testing by UC Davis established that Petit Sirah in California is actually a varietal known as Durif. In the 1880s, French botanist Francois Durif discovered a vineyard of Peloursin grapes that had been pollinated by Syrah; he named the new varietal Durif. The grape is small, which lends itself to the name Petit Sirah, and due to its size, there’s a high ratio of skin to juice. The greater exposure to skin gives the resulting wine more body, color and tannins. While Syrah is a relatively big wine that can hold up to most red meat dishes and sauces, Petit Sirah is even bigger – a perfect companion to beef, lamb, game and strong cheeses.

— Miraflores Winery
2120 Four Springs Trail, Placerville
530-647-8505, mirafloreswinery.com

Q: Some of my old silver fillings are beginning to look bad. What can be done to improve them?

A: Unfortunately, due to the nature of amalgam (silver) fillings, there is no sure way to improve their aesthetics. Just as silver tarnishes over time, so will these amalgam fillings. However, dentists have a few options available to improve the look. One is to replace the older amalgam fillings with bonded composite resin fillings, which are adaptable and formed specifically to the color, form and bite of the patient’s tooth. It will be up to your dentist’s discretion as to whether the current amalgam filling is replaceable. In certain cases, the tooth with the silver filling may not have the adequate structure for a replacement; under these circumstances, a porcelain crown may be the restoration of choice.

— Wayne K. Tsutsuse, D.D.S.
Aloha Family Dental
1020 Suncast Lane, Suite 103
El Dorado Hills
916-941-2447, alohadentaledh.com