From the Riverina district of New South Wales comes a wine more usually associated with the north east of Victoria.  The grape was “discovered” by French botanist Francois Durif in the mid-late 1800’s after a Syrah (Shiraz) vine had cross pollinated with Peloursin (genetic coding has found that Shiraz was the daddy and Peloursin the mummy). Durif is more commonly known in the United States as “Petite Syrah.”

Berton Vineyards, Metal Label, Durif, Riverina, 2021

Dense, near opaque purple. Deep and profound nose: licorice, blackberry, bramble, iodine, cooking chocolate, violets, vanilla and a little char. Dusty and chewy tannins pushing black and brambly fruit. There’s a pastille and vanilla sweetness over char (like a campfire marshmallow) that jars against a little sharp acidity but will work well with anything barbecued. Still offering an incredible amount for the price.

RRP: $14
Alc: 14.5%
Rating: 90/100

Wine sample courtesy of Berton Vineyards