The grape variety is known as Shiraz in countries like Australia, South Africa, and Canada, but is known as Syrah in places like France, the United States, and Argentina. Shiraz was also known as "Hermitage" in Australia.

Shiraz was introduced to Australia by James Busby in 1832. The grapes were mostly used to produce fortified wines in Australia. Good quality Australian Shiraz table wine wasn't produced in the country until the winemaker Max Schubert started producing the now much sought after Penfolds Grange wines in the 1950s.

The grape variety struggled when white wines and Cabernet Sauvignon dominated the market, making Shiraz unprofitable to grow. In the 1970s many old vine vineyards had their Shiraz plantings pulled out to be replaced with more popular varieties.

During the 1980s and 1990s Shiraz grew in popularity and the rest of the world discovered how good the wine was. Exports to the United Kingdom and the United States made the grape variety very profitable and it is now the most widely planted wine grape in Australia.


Popular Shiraz Growing Regions in Australia

• Barossa Valley, South Australia - Full bodied ripe Shiraz.
• Clare Valley, South Australia - Strong aromatic Shiraz.
• Coonawarra, South Australia - Warmer spicy Shiraz.
• Heathcote, Victoria - Cool climate region with peppery Shiraz.
• Hunter Valley, New South Wales - Warm climate earthy Shiraz.
• Margaret River, Western Australia - Warmer spicy Shiraz.
• McLaren Vale, South Australia - Dark peppery, chocolate Shiraz.
  

Popular Wine Makers of Australian Shiraz Wines

• Penfolds - The Penfolds Grange Hermitage made by Max Schubert is credited as being the most influential wine in Australia.
• Tyrrell's Wines - Long established winery in the Hunter Valley producing quality Shiraz like the Vat 9 Hunter Shiraz.

See also, quotes and sayings about Shiraz by famous people.