Species Vitis vinifera Hazards Oidium Origin France, Tarn Wine color Red Wine Higher classification Common Grape Vine | Also called Cabernet Duras (more) Notable regions Tarn Sweetness of resulting wine Dry Scientific name Vitis vinifera 'Duras' | |
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Similar Fer, Common Grape Vine, Mauzac, Len de l'El, Négrette | ||
Duras is a traditional French variety of red wine grape that is mostly grown around the Tarn River, northeast of Toulouse. It is usually blended with other traditional varieties, but production has been declining in recent years.
Contents
Despite the name the grape appears to have no connection with of the Côtes de Duras east of Bordeaux, at least it is not grown there today. Nor is any link known to the Durasa of Piedmont.
History
Viticulture came to the Tarn with the Romans, but little is known of the history of Duras.
DNA fingerprinting has recently suggested that with Petit Verdot from Bordeaux, it is a parent of the Tressot variety.
Distribution and Wines
Duras is only really found in the upper reaches of the Tarn River, in Gaillac, the Côtes de Millau and the Vins d'Estaing north of Rodez. It makes robust red wines with a peppery note that are typically blended with other traditional varieties such as Fer and Négrette.
Vine and Viticulture
The vine is susceptible to oidium and black rot with a tendency to bud early.
Synonyms
Cabernet Duras, Durade, Duras Femelle, Duras Male, Duras Rouge, Durasca, Duraze