BERTON VINEYARD Durif

Berton Vineyard Durif has been chosen from selected vineyards overlooking Griffith in the Riverina, New South Wales, where it thrives in the warm, rich soils. One of the last parcels to be harvested, the rich ripe fruit concentrates the varietal flavours of violets and blackberries and enhances aromas of anise and cinnamon.

Petite Sirah (or Durif) is a black-skinned grape variety, with Petite Sirah being its North and South American name. In the rest of the world it is generally known as Durif, named after its discoverer, Dr. Francois Durif.

From the Rhone in 1880, Dr. Durif released his new grape to the world after he noticed a natural crossing (most likely due to cross-pollination) from one of his Peloursin vines. The name Petite Sirah first appeared in Californian wine literature four years later, but as a blanket term for several dark-skinned grape varieties (including Durif). It was not until 1996 that Californian ampleographers identified Durif’s other parent as Syrah. This was an important revelation, but not surprising given Petite Sirah’s name and the visual similarities between the two grapes.

“Petite” here refers to the small, intensely colored berries that make Petite Sirah such a distinctive grape variety. In its early history it was often used as a minor blending partner to add color and structure to wines from weak vintages.

The high tannins and acidity present in Petite Sirah make it an excellent candidate for aging. Primary flavors often associated with the wine are blackberry, chocolate and black pepper. Many other characteristics of Syrah can also be noted, like blueberry, licorice and various herbal elements.