Discovered by François Durif in 1880, DNA analysis has confirmed that Durif is a cross between Shiraz and Peloursin.
Its origin is the Rhone Valley but because of its susceptibility to Botrytis it performs much better in warmer, drier regions.
Durif is known as ‘Petite Syrah’ in America and Israel.
Production at Manjimup
Durif (clone H7V13) was identified by the wine industry as having potential for the development of premium WA wine. Vines were planted for evaluation in Manjimup in 2003.
Timing of key phenology stages
| Budburst (E-L 4) | Full bloom (E-L 23) | Veraison (E-L 35) | Harvest (E-L 38) |
| Mid-late September | Early-mid December | Mid-late February | Early April |
Durif rootlings showed good establishment in trials at Manjimup. Durif vines produced large fruit crops early in development, however vines showed more balance in fruit-set and development after establishment for six years. Durif is highly susceptible to Botrytis and develops highly compact bunches with large wings.
Fruit has dark berry flavours, firm acid, grainy tannins with chewy skins. Durif wines have ripe plum, dark berry, subtle spice and dried fruit aromas. Wines are medium-bodied, firm with fine tannins, and have flavours of dark cherries and plum.
Production characteristics
| Productivity | Medium-high | Berry weight | Medium |
| Bunch weight | High | Fruit yield/vine | 3.8kg |
| Disease susceptibility | Medium-high | Equivalent yield | 6.3t/ha |
| Bunch compaction | High | Vigour | Medium |
| Juice TSS (°Brix) | 22.5 | Juice Baumé | 12.5 |
| Juice pH | 3.3 | Juice TA g/L | 7.5 |
Wine judging results
Points awarded out of a maximum of 20
| 2009 Winemakers Panel | 2010 Timber Towns Wine Show | 2010 Qantas Wine Show |
| 15.6 | 16.1 | 14.7 |