Many may not know that Shiraz and Syrah are in fact, the same grape.

The grape is synomous with Australia, representing 40% of red grape plantings, but calls the Northern Rhone its birthplace, where it's assumed to have lived for roughly 1000 years. There, by French standards, it is no-doubt a bigger style of wine, but is defined moreso by an incredibly perfumed nose which tends to show notes of violets, curry leaves, white pepper and black olives. On the palate, red and dark berries are major characteristics, but French Syrah's are very rarely overly ripe, with good levels of acidity that keep their wines fresher in style when compared to Australian Shiraz. 

However, Syrah's story changed drastically in 1832 when viticulturalist James Busby brough vine clippings to Australia from France. The vines were initially planted in Sydney's Royal Botanical Gardens before Busby decided that it was perhaps better suited to the Hunter Valley and subsequently The Barossa Valley. With a few regional differences, Australian Shiraz is generally characterised by intense plum and blackberry notes, with generous doses of oak. They are generally a much bigger style of wine compared to their French counterparts. 

Until recently, the grape has internationally been known as Syrah with the exception of Australia and South Africa. However, as European winemakers mimmick the Australian style, and vice versa, we're starting to see some bold French Syrahs labelled "Shiraz" and restrained, cool climate Australian Shiraz as "Syrah". 

For those who are a fan of the grape, and want to delve into the more "European" style, Aussie producers like Clonakilla, Farvie and Coates are all making some compelling styles.