Winemakers Reserve Durif, 2020

Intense aromas of violets, blackberry and subtle chocolate notes are showcased in this inky, dark Durif. Notes of blackberry, anise and smoky liquorice fill the concentrated palate, while the well-integrated mocha-oak influence and tight tannins add complexity and depth, through to a long, flavoursome finish.

Meet the maker: Berton Vineyard

Region: Riverina, South Eastern Australia – Australia

Grape(s): Durif (98%), Shiraz (2%)

14.5% ABV / 750ml / Vegetarian / Vegan

Viticulture:

Durif is a cross between Syrah and little-known variety Peloursin, and is sometimes known as Petite Sirah.

This parcel of Durif has been chosen from a single vineyard, the ‘Foleys Corner Vineyard’, which overlooks Griffith in the Riverina, New South Wales. Durif is well suited to the climate of the Riverina region, which is hot and dry.

The vineyard is on a slope with a westerly aspect and the soil is sandy loam. The vineyard rows face east to west direction.

The vines are on a single wire trellis, spur pruned and drip irrigated.

The grapes are machine harvested once they have reached the optimum maturity level.

Winemaking:

The fruit was destemmed, crushed and fermented with premium untoasted oak influence in static fermenters for five days, optimising colour stability and a fine tannin structure.

The wine was drained, pressed and stored in stainless steel tanks until malolactic conversion was complete.

It was then filtered onto French oak and matured for approximately four months, giving a subtle and delicate oak influence.

Maturation lasted a further six months in tank, prior to crossflow filtration and bottling.