This invention relates to refractory mixes produced by mixing a refractory material with an organic binder and heating to a temperature of typically from about 50.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C. to form a stable composite granulate. The refractor mixes comprise a major amount of a refractory material and a minor amount of a binder composition comprising (a) condensed tannin and (b) furfuryl alcohol. The refractory mixes are used to prepare shaped (e.g. bricks) and unshaped (e.g. blast furnace tap holes, troughs, and tundish liners) refractory products. The invention also relates to a process for preparing the refractory products using the refractory mixes.