Study all in regards to the Durif grape selection, some key tasting notes and what dishes to serve with this scrumptious pink wine.
Then, take a look at our BBC Good Meals Wine Membership. In partnership with Laithwaite’s, we’re providing reductions on completely curated circumstances of wine, chosen by wine consultants and the BBC Good Meals group, so that you can subscribe to or purchase as a present. These curated circumstances include pairing notes, the tales behind every bottle and serving recommendations. Your plan is customisable, plus Laithwaite’s will frequently ship you unique affords on BBC Good Meals collaboration circumstances.
What’s Durif wine?
A grape selection you’ve most likely by no means heard of, however probably tasted, Durif from France is healthier often known as Petite Sirah in California, the place it crops up in every kind of blends. For a very long time, it was regarded as Syrah. It’s a daring, flavour-packed bruiser, at dwelling in sizzling climates like California or Australia, and now not often seen in its native France.
Durif is a pure cross between Syrah and Peloursin, an obscure French selection. Regardless of its heritage, although, it’s now very uncommon at dwelling in France. Durif was launched to California in 1884 as Petite Sirah, the place it grew to become one of many backbones of the state’s wine trade, although it was usually confused with Syrah. With its deep color, it’s usually used to darken blends in California. Lately, it has been overshadowed by the likes of Cabernet Sauvignon, however is once more starting to be appreciated as it’s so suited to the state’s local weather. As a late-ripening selection, it loves warmth, however can also be broadly planted in Washington state and Mexico. In Australia, particularly Victoria, it’s bottled as a varietal and blended with Shiraz (often known as Syrah) and you will discover it in South Africa as properly.
What does Durif wine style like?
Durif makes massive, warm-hearted wines, evoking wealthy fruit like plums, blueberries and cherries, usually with chunky tannins. It takes very properly to oak ageing, which softens its wild facet and accentuates the spice. It’s not usually aged for very lengthy, however with its full physique and tannin, higher examples can age for 10-20 years. If the grapes are picked too late, it may be extremely alcoholic and style a bit like port.
What dishes go properly with Durif wine?
Durif needs to be served at cool room temperature. With its massive flavours and excessive alcohol, it’s normally greatest served with suitably hearty meals, particularly involving pink meat. Durif loves spice, so suppose sluggish cooker pork shoulder, black bean & meat stew or penne all’arrabbiata. It might probably take a little bit of sweetness, too, and goes properly with ham baked in molasses and spicy Chinese language-style aubergine dishes.
Signal as much as the BBC Good Meals Wine Membership
For extra expertly chosen bottles, change into a member of the BBC Good Meals Wine Membership. It is easy actually – wines from quality-focused, family-run wineries around the globe. They have been hand-selected by our devoted group of consultants, so you may make certain that what you are getting can be distinctive, fascinating and – above all – scrumptious.
Loved studying extra about wine? Try our intensive pairing guides…
Easy methods to style wine
Why you need to hold pink wine within the fridge
How to decide on wine
The perfect wines to drink with pasta
