Shiraz grape

Shiraz is one name, equivalent to Syrah, for a noble grape variety widely used to make dry red table wine. The two names are entirely interchangeable and refer to the same varietal of grape. This grape is usually known as Shiraz in Australia, where it was referred to as Hermitage as recently as the late 1980s. In South Africa it is usually called Shiraz. In the USA this grape is grown primarily in California, where it is most commonly called Syrah. Winemakers (or wine marketers) sometimes choose one name over the other to signify a stylistic difference in the wine they have made. "Syrah" labelled wines are sometimes thought to be more similar to Old World examples (presumably more elegant or spicy) and "Shiraz" labelled wines are more similar to New World examples (presumably richer and riper in flavor), but even this rule of thumb is unevenly applied.

Shiraz is often vinified on its own, but is also frequently blended with other grape varietals, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Viognier. It is grown in many wine producing regions around the world. There is also a small amont of Ros&eacute wine produced from the Syrah grape.

It has often been alleged that the name of the grape Shiraz was taken from that of the city of Shiraz, Iran. However that may be, it is no longer believed that this grape originated in Asia. Most likely, based on a DNA study in 1998, Shiraz originated in the vicinity of the Northern Rhône valley of France, as the result of a cross of the "Dureza" and "Mondeuse Blanche" grape varietals. Shiraz continues to be the main grape of the Northern Rhône and is associated with classic wines such as Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie. Although its best incarnations will age for decades, less-extracted styles may be enjoyed young for their lively red and blue berry characters and smooth tannin structure. Shiraz has been widely used as a blending grape in the red wines of many countries due to its fleshy fruit mid-palate, balancing the weaknesses of other varietals and resulting in a "complete" wine.

Wines made from Shiraz are often quite powerfully flavoured and full-bodied. The varietal produces wines with a wide range of flavor notes, depending on the climate and soils where it is grown, as well as other viticultural practices chosen. Aroma characters can range from violets to berries, chocolate, espresso and black pepper. No one aroma can be called "typical." With time in the bottle these "primary" notes are moderated and then supplemented with earthy or savory "tertiary" notes such as leather and truffle. ("Secondary" flavor and aroma notes are those associated with winemakers' practices, such as oak barrel and yeast regimes, and are not typically associated with specific grape varietals.) Indeed, many premium Shiraz-based wines are at their best after some considerable time aged in a cellar. Perhaps the greatest and most famous Shiraz-based wine of Australia, Penfolds Grange , is known for its impressive ageability, which, along with its consistently outstanding quality, make it one of the world's most collectible wines. In 2004 a bottle of the 1951 Penfolds Grange sold at auction for A$50,200. Shiraz is also used to make the unique "sparkling Shiraz," a deep-red sparkling wine which also ages very well. A notable example is "Seppelt Show Reserve Sparkling Shiraz," only released by the winery after 10 years bottle age, which demonstrates characteristic rich blackberry, mocha and beef notes.

It is today Australia's most popular red grape, but Shiraz has not always been in favor in Australia; in the 1970s white wine was so popular growers were ripping out unprofitable Shiraz vineyards, even those with very old vines . Many factors, including the French paradox and the affinity of influential wine critic Robert M. Parker, Jr. for the lush, powerful wines produced from Shiraz caused a turnaround in demand, and plantings expanded dramatically through the 1980s and 1990s.