Many international grapes have slightly different names because they are grown around the world. French Pinot Blanc becomes Italian Pinot Bianco, while Tempranillo is known as Tinta Roriz, Tinto Fino, Aragonez, and more, depending on the part of Iberia where it’s grown.
But Syrah and Shiraz are more than just synonyms for the same grape. They also typically indicate the intended style of the wine. Syrah is characterized by its restrained, peppery northern Rhône iteration, while Shiraz is associated with fruit-forward, New World regions, most famously Australia.
First brought to Australia in the early 1800s, Shiraz is the country’s adopted signature red grape. Found in nearly every Australian wine region, Shiraz can come in many styles (even sparkling!) but is best known as a full-bodied, full-fruited, often oaked red with undertones of spice and herbs.
Get to know this modern classic with our illustrated guide to Shiraz from Australia.
