Durif a Snippet of History

Durif

Rutherglen is still the region most synonymous with Durif. It makes what many argue are the finest examples of the variety found anywhere, not just in Australia, but the world!

Durif produces tannic wines with a spicy, plummy flavour. The grape originated as a cross of Syrah pollen germinating a Peloursin plant.

WHERE DID DURIF COME FROM?

In the 1860s the French botanist François Durif kept a nursery of several grape varieties at his home in the commune of Tullins where he most likely had plantings of both Peloursin and Syrah. At some point the two vines cross pollinated and Durif discovered a new grape variety growing in his nursery (a cross of Syrah pollen germinating a Peloursin plant). It was identified and named Plant du Rif (later Durif) by ampelographer Victor Pulliat in 1868.

DURIF IN AUSTRALIA

Durif was first introduced to Rutherglen and by extension Australia by the viticultural expert with the Department of Agriculture Victoria; Francois de Castella in 1908.

It suits warmer and drier climates, so is a natural fit for a number of our inland wine regions.

In the heady days of vast fortified wine production, it was found to be of great use thanks to its ability to ripen with high levels of sugar and tannin. These days, you will most likely see it made into dry red wine, however it is also used as an ingredient in Sparkling Red Wines.