Answer by: Roger C. Bohmrich, MW
In fact, both grapes orginate in France.
Petite Sirah as Durif is also French in origin. Durif - to make the story even more complicated - calls Peloursin and Syrah its parents.
Syrah was derived from Mondeuse Blanche and Dureza which are found, like Durif, in southeastern France.
About the Expert:Roger has enjoyed a lengthy career in the wine trade, and he last served as a senior executive with a major national importer. In 2006, he launched Millesima USA, a retail entity affiliated with Europe's leading fine wine mail order company. Roger became one of America's first Masters of Wine in 1993, and he has been very active as an educator and speaker at wine festivals and conferences. He hosts a community television program entitled "Wine's Simple Pleasures," and is currently working on a book of original recipes and wine pairing solutions. Visit Roger C. Bohmrich, MW's website: MILLESIMA USA LLC
| 
Wine Question 
