Page 3 - Matt Wallace

Durif was originally something of a Rutherglen secret, with typically brilliant wines made by Morris, Stanton and Killeen, Campbells, Fairfield and others.

The hot vintages of the 2008 and 2009 growing season definitely put South Aussie vineyards through their paces, especially in the hotter regions. For many vignerons these record heat conditions punished vines, stalling flavour development while sugar levels raced ahead.

The case of the mystery grape, that once ruled high and low across Californian wine country: an intriguing look into this big and bold red grape variety. It's almost too good to be true.

A Californian wonder

Introducing Zinfandel, a plump, dark skinned grape of the red wine persuasion. Calling California home, with over 44,000 acres currently under vine, it was introduced to this particular part of U.S somewhere around 1830-1850, during the Gold Rush era. It absolutely thrived in the Cali conditions, giving it warm climates and suitable soils. Nobody asked any questions and it was widely accepted that 'Zin' was firmly embedded in the viticultural history of America. Fast forward the best part of a century and the Zin-craze continued as it survived Prohibition Era, as the grapes were shipped east, to make a fine drop behind closed doors. Up until only recently, it was the most planted red grape variety in California usurped only by the rising glamour of Cabernet Sauvignon.

The story unfolds