The Duras
Grape
A red grape variety native to the South West of France, particularly known in the Gaillac region. Duras contributes to the production of both red and rosé wines, offering flavors of dark fruits and spices, with a good tannic structure and potential for aging. It is often blended with other local varieties to create complex and aromatic wines.
Duras
Grape History
The Duras grape is a lesser-known red wine grape variety that hails from France, specifically the Gaillac region in the southwest. This ancient grape variety has a long history, dating back to Roman times, and has been cultivated in this region for centuries. The name "Duras" is believed to come from the local Occitan dialect, meaning "hard", which refers to the grape's tough skin.
Duras is often blended with other grape varieties in the Gaillac region, to create complex and flavorful wines. It is known for its deep ruby color, high acidity, and bold tannins. Duras-based wines are usually medium to full-bodied with flavors of dark fruits such as blackberries and plums, along with herbaceous and earthy notes.
In addition to its use in blends, Duras is also used to create single varietal wines, showcasing its unique characteristics. These wines are increasingly gaining attention among wine enthusiasts for their distinctive flavors and excellent aging potential.
The Duras grape is primarily grown in the Gaillac region of France, where it is one of the local specialties. However, it is also cultivated in small quantities in other parts of France, such as the Lot-et-Garonne and Tarn regions. Outside of France, there are a few experimental plantings of Duras in regions like California, where winemakers are exploring its potential in different terroirs.
The grape variety faces some challenges in terms of recognition and market demand, as it is not as well-known as some of the more mainstream varieties. However, there is a growing interest in indigenous grape varieties and unique terroirs, which bodes well for the future of Duras. With increased attention on traditional and authentic wine styles, Duras has the potential to become a sought-after variety among wine enthusiasts and collectors.
In conclusion, the Duras grape is a hidden gem with a rich history and a promising future. Its unique characteristics and versatility in winemaking make it a valuable addition to the world of wine, offering a taste of the rich winemaking heritage of the Gaillac region in France. As wine lovers continue to explore new flavors and seek out authentic and distinctive wines, Duras is poised to shine on the global stage.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel