Glug winemakers have been fascinated with Durif for many decades and many of the first Glug wines had a tiny component of Durif so we could learn about the character of this remarkable variety. This in turn led to the first Brutus Shiraz Durif from the 2009 vintage which was about 50%-50%.
From this experience we have created a dozen or so blends of Barossa Valley Shiraz with Durif. Since Durif is a blend or cross of Shiraz with Peloursin we can say a blend of Shiraz with Durif is 75% Shiraz and that is the taste to expect. I have not traced down original vineyards of Peloursin which are in the French alps apparently near the town of Grenoble, the base camp for winter sports. I did try it from a Victorian grower years ago and recall an alarming crimson colour and aromas of violets. More work is needed on this taste aspect.
What we can now confirm is that the two work in harmony in the Barossa Valley. Indeed, we are so impressed by Durif that it is now used as single variety in our Karrawirra range.
