Another ancient French grape treat for you!
Dureza is a dark-skinned red variety native to the Ardèche department in the Southern Rhône Valley. A husband and wife team grows it beautifully on Triassic Cévenol sandstone in its birthplace.
At Domaine Salel and Renaud, Élise and Benoit believe that indigenous grape varieties are the soul and identity of the Cévennes Ardéchoises and perfectly suited to the Cévennes terroirs. The couple’s objective is to re-cultivate these grape varieties to taste authentic and craft distinctive wines.
Their vines are planted on terraces in the foothills of the Massif Central, between 350 and 500 meters above sea level. In 2008, the couple was seduced by the extraordinary potential of the terroirs. These terroirs are similar to the prestigious terroirs of the North of the Septentrional Rhône Valley. The greatest challenge is to make known a vineyard often overlooked but that produces wine of finesse and richness.
What makes Dureza so cool? Well, it is most widely known for being the father vine of Syrah. For years syrah was speculated to have originated from Persia, Sicily, or even Egypt. But DNA typing from UC Davis discovered and confirmed that the Syrah vine was native to France.
So in order words, Dureza had a torrid love affair with the grape, Mondeuse Blanche and together they made a baby that became the sexiest and one of the most prolific grapes on the planet, Syrah.
Domaine Salel and Renaud harvest manually and use organic farming practices. Dureza is a lighter red wine with notes of black fruits, purple flowers, and as it opens up more animal-like rustic qualities in the palate.
I packed a bottle with me to share over the weekend. It is my first time visiting the French Rivera. With a glass in hand overlooking the harbor, I am one happy like #winenerd taking it all in. Last night, we paired the wine with harder sheep’s cheese, white ham, and zucchini blossom.
It is classified as IGP. Want to try it? Of course, you do! Make sure to check out their website to order directly.
Contact Élise and Benoit directly and order through their website.
https://www.domainesalelrenaud.com/
