Dureza
Dureza (/dyʁɛ.za/), also known simply as Duret in some historical records, is a dark-skinned wine grape variety native to the Ardèche region of France. Once little-known and sparsely cultivated, it has gained recognition primarily for its role as one of the two parent varieties of Syrah, alongside Mondeuse Blanche[1]. Traditionally used in robust red blends, Dureza is valued for its deep colour, firm tannins, and potential to contribute structure to wines[2].
History
Dureza has been documented in the Ardèche since at least the late 18th century, with early references noting its suitability for producing deeply coloured wines intended for blending[3]. Over time, plantings declined as growers favoured higher-yielding or more commercially viable varieties. In the late 20th century, ampelographic research and DNA profiling revealed its genetic significance as a progenitor of Syrah[4]. This discovery led to renewed academic and viticultural interest, although it remains a rare variety in modern vineyards.
Characteristics
Dureza is a black-skinned Vitis vinifera variety, traditionally used for red wine production in the Rhône-Alpes region of France[5]. The grape produces wines with deep colour, pronounced tannins, and moderate acidity, typically lacking in aromatic intensity when vinified alone[6]. It is considered late-ripening and moderately vigorous, requiring warm conditions to achieve full phenolic maturity.
Geography
Dureza has historically been cultivated in the Ardèche department of the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France[7]. Its plantings declined significantly during the 20th century, and the variety is now considered rare, with only small parcels maintained primarily for genetic conservation and experimental winemaking[8]. It is not widely grown outside France.
Production
Dureza is typically used as a blending grape rather than for varietal wines, due to its firm tannic structure and moderate aromatic profile[9]. In modern viticulture, its main significance lies in its role as a parent of the Syrah grape, rather than as a widely cultivated commercial variety[10]. Small-scale vinifications have shown that it can produce deeply coloured wines with robust structure, but with relatively restrained fruit expression.
Key Figures
Dureza’s historical importance is largely attributed to its genetic link to Syrah, a discovery credited to DNA profiling conducted by teams at the University of California, Davis, and the Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique in Montpellier[11]. While no prominent producers are associated with varietal Dureza wines, the grape holds a place of interest for ampelographers and historians of French viticulture.
Development
The revival of Dureza has sparked debate within viticultural circles regarding the value of cultivating obscure varieties with minimal market demand. Proponents argue that such grapes contribute to biodiversity and preserve historical links within viticulture, while critics note the economic impracticality of dedicating vineyard space to varieties with limited commercial appeal[12]. Experimental plantings continue on a small scale, with ongoing research into its potential enological qualities.
See also
References
- ↑ Bowers, Boursiquot et al., “Historical Genetics: The Parentage of Syrah Wine Grapes”, Journal of Heredity, Vol. 93, No. 3, 2002.
- ↑ Robinson, Harding & Vouillamoz, Wine Grapes, HarperCollins, 2012.
- ↑ Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité (INAO), “Dureza – Cépage”, inao.gouv.fr. (French original)
- ↑ Bowers, Boursiquot et al., “Historical Genetics: The Parentage of Syrah Wine Grapes”, Journal of Heredity, Vol. 93, No. 3, 2002.
- ↑ Robinson, Harding & Vouillamoz, Wine Grapes, HarperCollins, 2012.
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015.
- ↑ Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité (INAO), “Dureza – Cépage”, inao.gouv.fr.
- ↑ Vitis International Variety Catalogue (VIVC), “Dureza”, vivc.de.
- ↑ Robinson, Harding & Vouillamoz, Wine Grapes, HarperCollins, 2012.
- ↑ Bowers, Boursiquot et al., “Historical Genetics: The Parentage of Syrah Wine Grapes”, Journal of Heredity, Vol. 93, No. 3, 2002.
- ↑ Bowers, Boursiquot et al., “Historical Genetics: The Parentage of Syrah Wine Grapes”, Journal of Heredity, Vol. 93, No. 3, 2002.
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015, ISBN 978-0198705383.