Berton Vineyard Winemaker's Reserve Durif Riverina, 2018

Durif, the same grape variety as California’s Petite Sirah, is a late ripening variety that loves the hot dry climate in Riverina. Berton Vineyards Winemaker’s Reserve is dense purple in colour with deliciously ripe fruit aromas of blueberries, blackberries and patisserie. Grapes were picked on the mornings of March 13 and 14, 2018 after a long dry summer. After fermentation and malolactic in tank, the wine was transferred onto oak staves and into barrels for four months. More oaky flavours emerge on the palate with vanilla and dark fruits. This is a full-bodied wine, big and bold with sweet fruits, grippy tannins and a long finish. The Durif grape originated in France but there are only very limited number of hectares planted there now.