Happy International Durif Day: here are three wines to celebrate with

With winter in full-swing, we are all looking for things to celebrate, and great red wines to drink. Luckily for us, International Durif Day is right around the corner on Wednesday June 10. 

Originating in France's northern Rhône Valley and gaining popularity in Australia in the late '70s, the durif grape is a combination of shiraz/syrah and peloursin. It is known for being rich and full-bodied, making it a formidable red wine variety that's perfect for drinking this winter.

Hailing from the Rutherglen and North East Victoria, these delicious durifs from All Saints Estate, Campbells and Eldorado Road are three wines you'll definitely want to try. Make sure you read through their comprehensive tasting notes, and click the link to shop directly from the producers. 

All Saints Estate Family Cellar Durif 2024, Rutherglen

Fourteen days' fermentation, 18 months' maturation, 33% new oak. Big, ripe and rich – à la trad Rutherglen durif – but with tannins that bring structure without being scary in the least. Indeed, the tannin management is to be congratulated. Expect to enjoy a wealth of blackberry, fleshy, deep plum, black cherry with violet, dark florals, chocolate, rosemary and earth. What some might call a renovated retro-style, but it works so well. – Jeni Port, Halliday Wine Companion, 92 points.   

RRP $48 | Drink to 2034 | allsaintswine.com.au | Shop this wine

Campbells Rutherglen Durif 2022, Rutherglen

A rich, full-bodied wine, with ripe black plums at the forefront to fill the mouth. Smooth mid-palate weight complexed with ironstone, spice and chocolate/mocha oak integration. Balance is provided by fine tannins typical of durif in its youth.  

RRP $30 | Drink to 2034 | campbellswines.com.au | Shop this wine

Eldorado Road Onyx Durif 2022, North East Victoria

Open fermentation, extended time on skins, maturation in French oak. Throw any durif prejudices you might be harbouring out the window – this is a wine to reignite the durif weary and scared. It might look intimidating in impenetrable, deep purple hues, but that scent will put your fears at rest: a lively meeting of dark cherries and fruits, blueberries, dark chocolate, pepper and spice. There is a vibrancy to be enjoyed here, matched to ripe tannins that lay the groundwork for some pretty serious ageing ahead. – Jeni Port, Halliday Wine Companion, 95 points.   

RRP $39 | Drink to 2035 | eldoradoroad.com.au | Shop this wine