Durif red wine variety in Australia

Durif is a red wine variety known for its role in producing Robust wines in warm regions. But there is more to it than that. Like many grape varieties Durif is making a comeback after being overlooked in the rush by vignerons to get with the strength and concentrate on mainstream varieties.

But Durif is making a comeback; it is now much more widely used than in its old stronghold of Rutherglen. Some great red wines are now being made in many warmer Australian wine regions with the label proudly identifying the variety.

This red wine grape from the Rhone Valley is not highly regarded in its native France. It is named after its breeder who established the variety in the late nineteenth century. It was introduced into Australia by pioneering Victorian viticulturalist Francois de Castella in 1908.

The variety is planted in California under the name of Petite Sirah where there has been some confusion about the variety. Many vineyards have proved to have mixtures of Durif and another variety called Pelorisin. In California Petite Sirah has its own fan club PS I love you

In Australia, the CSIRO uses DNA fingerprinting to clear up confusion about similar grape varieties. They report that the clones imported to Australia are indeed Durif and not Peloursin.

Durif wines tend to have high levels of tannins and so are suitable for extended cellaring to allow the wines to come together. Modern winemakers of course aim to produce wines which will be drinkable much earlier so this may not be such a factor as it was in the past.

However if you are looking for an subtle and understated red you should look elsewhere. The alcohol level in these wines is often in the 14-15% range, with flavour to match.

Durif wine and food

This variety makes full bodied wines so you might enjoy Durif with rich stews and game dishes. For example, you might like to try my recipe for Braised Oxtail with Black Olives

Wineries with Durif In Australia

As the graphic below shows the variety is now grown in many more wineries than Rutherglen.

Surprisingly, Durif has also found its way to cool climate areas. John Vale of Vale Wines at Balnarring on the Mornington Peninsula has successfully pioneered the variety. You can read all about his experiences in his article Cool Climate Durif? You must be kidding! in the Winemakers' Tales section of Vinodiversity.

Dan Crane, winemaker at All Saints Winery in the Rutherglen Region has written about how long maceration is used to bring out the best of the variety's prodigious tannins when making All Saints Durif

You can also read this article where Smithy from Warrabilla wines has written "Confessions of a Durif tragic"

The depth of flavour and body of the wine seems to be enhanced by the bubbles. A great way to start your acquaintance with sparkling red wine is with a bottle of Morris Sparkling Durif.