Vale Durif on Wine Blogging Wednesday

Image of Durif from State Library of South Australia.

Petite Sirah is known by its correct name of Durif in Australia. There are about 60-70 wineries making wine from Durif. See Vinodiversity's Durif page.

Most of the wineries with the variety are in the warm and hot regions, Rutherglen, Riverina, Murray Darling etc. But Durif actually is also suited to cooler climate viticulture, although very few Australians will believe you if you tell them. John Vale of Vale Wines at Balnarring on the Mornington Peninsula has grown the variety for several Vintages.

Last weekend I tried the 2005 Vale Durif. The wine is deep red colour and has great depth of flavour. There are spicy characters in the middle palate, reminiscent of cool climate Shiraz. Compared to typical Rutherglen Durif this wines is positively elegant. You could drink this wine a range of foods, perhaps you could pair it in a similar way as you would a young tempranillo, rather than with heavy meats and game dishes that are called for with the more usual Australian Durifs.

More about Durif on Wine Blogging Wednesday #40

Mornington Peninsula

The Peninsula is just a short drive down the road from Melbourne. The scenery is spectacular and there are plenty of vinous treasures to be found. There are over a hundred wineries on the Peninsula and about half are using one or more alternative varieties - maily pinot gris.

If you a planning a trip, and spring is a great time to visit, check out Vinodiversity's page about the Mornington Peninsula.

A useful tool to enhance your wine touring is the Cellar Door Pass. For just $99 you get a regional map and DVD, six bottles of wine of your choice, valued up to a total of $150, and more benefits. You can even get free shipping back to an Australian Address for your wine.