Australian Durif has now the most important plantings of this grape, as the French have moved away from it. In North East Victoria,it produces inky black tannic wines which live well in the cellar. They have lots of dark berry flavours. It can be pretty good,at times approaching excellent. It blends well with shiraz, and at least one brand Morris has a sparkling shiraz durif

Durif is actually a cross between the noble grape Syrah and the less well-known Peloursin. It was created at the University of Montpellier in the 1880s by a gentleman named Dr. Durif - a nurseryman who was looking to develop a grape variety resistant to downy mildew, one of many scourges of the vine.

Although only a few token plantings remain in France today, Durif is both successful and popular in Australia where it makes characterful, pitch-black wines. Even long-term Shiraz fans are recognising the appeal of the incredibly dark, powerful wines from Durif. In fact, it's often blended with Shiraz.