A dark, powerful red grape bred in France in the 1880s, now a speciality of Rutherglen and known in the US as Petite Sirah.
History
Durif was bred by Dr François Durif in Montpellier in the 1880s, a cross of Syrah and the old variety Peloursin. It was planted for its resistance to downy mildew but never became important in France.
In California it is known as Petite Sirah and has a long history there.
Durif in Australia
Durif was planted in north-east Victoria in the early 1900s, and Rutherglen remains its Australian heartland, where it makes inky, robust reds as well as fortified wine.
It is also grown in the Riverina and Riverland, where it adds colour to blends.
Tasting notes
Very deep in colour and full-bodied with firm, often chewy tannins. Expect blackberry, blueberry, plum and dark chocolate, with black pepper, liquorice and a meaty or earthy note.