There are certain grape varieties that have become heroes of the New World.
In a piece I penned in 2015 I went to great lengths in celebrating the many virtues of Carménère – a grape that has largely been ostracised from Bordeaux but has found new life in Chile.
And I could list many more.
Excusing the obvious inclusions – chardonnay in Australia, Sauvignon Blanc in Marlborough, Malbec in Argentina and, of course, Pinotage in South Africa – there a number of lesser-known grape varieties that should be celebrated more back in Blighty.
One of which is Durif, which is primarily grown in Australia, California and Israel and has garnered a great deal of acclaim in recent years as top vintages appear from Rutherglen and, in this case, Riverina.
It is synonymous with punchy, often highly alcoholic wines that sing with dark and densely coloured fruit.
Expect aromas of black plum, mulberry, a hint of white pepper and dried apricot on the nose, with mixed fruit spice, liquorice, chocolate and cedar oak aromas on the palate.
Buy from: House of Townend £11.99
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