What Is Durif Wine? Australia's Bold Red Explained

Durif is a full-bodied red wine grape known for its deep colour, punchy dark-fruit flavour and firm, mouth-drying tannins. Australia, particularly Rutherglen in Victoria, produces some of the best examples in the world. If you love big, structured reds like Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon, Durif deserves a spot in your next case.

It's still one of Australia's most underrated reds, which is exactly why it's worth getting to know. In this guide, we'll cover where Durif comes from, what it tastes like, how it compares to Shiraz and Petite Sirah, the best Australian regions for it, and what to eat with it, plus a few bottles from our Durif wines range worth trying first.

What Does Durif Taste Like?

Durif is bold. Expect a deep, almost opaque purple-crimson colour in the glass, followed by a wine that's rich, spicy, and intensely flavoured.

On the nose and palate, you'll typically find:

• Dark fruit: blackberry, plum, and blackcurrant

• Black pepper and other warm spice

• Dark chocolate and mocha

• Firm, mouth-drying tannins that soften with age

• A long, warming finish, often with a touch of American oak

Durif has thick grape skins, which give it its deep colour, rich flavour and firm tannins. Young Durif can taste quite grippy, so many winemakers age it in oak barrels to soften the tannins and add subtle notes of chocolate and vanilla.

Where Does Durif Come From?

Durif has an interesting origin story. In the 1800s, French botanist Dr François Durif discovered a natural cross between Peloursin and Syrah in his nursery in Tullins, south-eastern France. The new grape variety was later named after him.

Durif never became widely popular in France. Today, it's grown mainly in Australia and California, where it's commonly labelled Petite Sirah.

Durif was introduced to Australia in 1908 and planted in Rutherglen, Victoria, where it has become one of the region's signature grape varieties.

Durif vs Shiraz: What's the Difference?

Both are big, dark, food-friendly Australian reds, but they're not the same grape, and they don't taste quite the same either.

If you already love Shiraz, Durif offers an even bolder style with firmer tannins and more intense flavour. If you're new to full-bodied reds, Shiraz is usually the gentler starting point.

Is Durif the Same as Petite Sirah?

Yes. Durif and Petite Sirah are the same grape variety. In Australia and France, it's known as Durif, while in the United States it's commonly labelled Petite Sirah (with an "i").

Don't confuse Petite Sirah with Petite Syrah (with a "y"). Despite the similar names, they are different, and the term Petite Syrah has been used inconsistently over time.

Australia's Best Durif Regions

Durif does best in warm, dry climates, which is exactly what makes Australia such a good home for it.

#1 Rutherglen, Victoria 

This is the spiritual home of Australian Durif. Warm days, cool nights, and generations of winemaking experience produce big, structured, age-worthy Durif packed with dark fruit, spice, and firm tannins.

#2 Riverina, New South Wales 

This is Australia's largest Durif-producing region. The warm inland climate suits the grape well, and Riverina wineries, De Bortoli among them, produce excellent-value Durif with real depth of flavour.

You'll also find good examples from Heathcote and the Murray Valley in Victoria, and from parts of South Australia's Riverland.

What Food Goes With Durif?

Durif's high tannins and bold flavour mean it needs rich, hearty food to match. Think:

• Slow-cooked lamb shoulder or lamb shanks

• Grilled or barbecued red meat

• Beef stews and casseroles

• Hard, aged cheeses

• Pasta with rich tomato or meat-based sauces

Steer clear of light dishes like salads or delicate seafood, since the tannins will overpower them. For more pairing ideas across red wine styles, check out our red wine and food pairing guide.

How Should You Serve Durif?

Serve Durif slightly below room temperature, around 16 to 18°C. If you're opening a young bottle, give it 30 minutes in a decanter. It'll soften those firm tannins and open up the fruit.

Best Durif Wines to Buy Online

Ready to try one? Here are a few Durif wines from our Durif wines range worth adding to your next order.

De Bortoli Deen Vat 1 Riverina Durif 2022: A great-value entry point into Durif, packed with dark berry fruit and a smooth, easy-drinking finish. A cracking option if you're trying the variety for the first time.

De Bortoli Deen Vat 1 Riverina Durif 2022 - 6 Bottles

Eldorado Road Wines Victoria Onyx Durif 2022: Hailed from 5 star rated winery, this 95-point, richly structured Durif is from one of Victoria's boutique producers. Bold, dense, and built for a serious steak dinner.

Eldorado Road Wines Victoria Onyx Durif 2022 - 12 Bottles

De Bortoli Rutherglen Estates Durif: Classic Rutherglen style, full-bodied, spicy, and loaded with dark fruit, sourced from the region that made this grape famous.

De Bortoli Rutherglen Estates Victoria Durif 2021 - 6 Bottles

De Bortoli Rutherglen Estates Renaissance Durif: An award-winning, more refined take on Rutherglen Durif, with layers of dark chocolate and mixed spice.

De Bortoli Rutherglen Estates Victoria Renaissance Durif 2019 - 6 Bottles

Final Thoughts

Durif might not be a household name yet, but it's one of Australia's most rewarding reds if you love bold, full-bodied wine with real structure. Rutherglen and Riverina both produce outstanding examples, and it's hard to beat at this price point for the depth of flavour you get in the glass.

Ready to try it for yourself? Shop our Durif wines range and find your next favourite bold red.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Durif wine?

Durif is a full-bodied red wine made from the Durif grape variety. It's known for its deep colour, rich dark fruit flavours, firm tannins and excellent ageing potential. Originally developed in France, it's now best known for the premium wines produced in Australia, particularly in Rutherglen and Riverina.

2. Is Durif the same as Petite Sirah?

Yes. Durif and Petite Sirah are the same grape variety. Durif is the name commonly used in Australia and France, while Petite Sirah is the name used in the United States. Although the names differ, they refer to the same grape.

3. What does Durif taste like?

Durif is rich, full-bodied and intensely flavoured. You'll typically find notes of blackberry, plum, black pepper, dark chocolate and warm spice, along with firm tannins that soften with age. Many Durif wines are matured in oak, adding hints of vanilla, mocha or chocolate.

4. What food pairs well with Durif?

Durif pairs best with rich, flavourful dishes that can stand up to its bold character. Grilled steaks, slow-cooked lamb, beef casseroles, barbecue meats, game and aged cheeses all make excellent matches. The wine's firm tannins also complement hearty pasta dishes with meat-based sauces.

5. Where does Durif come from?

Durif originated in France in the late 1800s after a natural cross between the Peloursin and Syrah grape varieties. Although it never became widely planted in France, it thrives in Australia, particularly in Rutherglen, Victoria, where it has become one of the region's signature red wines.

6. Can Durif be aged?

Yes. Thanks to its firm tannins, concentrated fruit and structure, many Durif wines age very well. While some are enjoyable when young, premium examples can continue to develop more complex flavours after several years in the bottle when stored correctly.

7. How should Durif be served?

Durif is best served slightly below room temperature, between 16°C and 18°C. Decanting a young bottle for around 30 minutes before serving can help soften the tannins and bring out its fruit and spice flavours.

8. Can I buy Durif wine online in Australia?

Yes. Just Wines offers a carefully selected range of Australian Durif wines from leading regions, including Rutherglen and Riverina. Whether you're trying Durif for the first time or looking to expand your collection, you can shop online with delivery across Australia.