Durif/Petit Syrah Grapes

Bred by Dr Durif in France around 1880, this grape produces wines with intense colour and high tannins.

Besides making full-bodied, long lived wines, Durif adds tannic structure to wines from grapes like Zinfandel, a variety with thin skins, large berries and, hence, proportionately less potential tannins.

In California where Zinfandel is widely grown, Durif is known as Petit Syrah and is often present among Zinfandel vines.