The Durif or Petite Sirah grape was developed by Dr. Durif, a French nurseryman living in the south of France in the late 1800's. He created this new variety by crossing the Syrah grape with the Peloursin variety. His new variety was resistant to a plant disease called Powdery Mildew. This variety has gained popularity in California as well as Australia where it tends to produce wines with a spicy, plummy flavor and an exceptional tannic backbone.