What is the difference between Shiraz and a Syrah?
a. Nothing: They’re two names for the same grape. c. A Shiraz is a much more full-bodied red wine than the fruity Syrah. b. A Shiraz is a special winemaker’s hat; a Syrah is a crisp white wine. d. None of the above. The correct answer is a) Nothing: They are two names for the same grape. Just to make you think wine smarts are more elusive than they actually are, in Australia, the grape is known as Shiraz, and in France, it’s called Syrah. In the U.S. (even more confusingly), it’s called both. ——————- Wine Smarts: Shiraz/Syrah is a classic Rhone red grape allegedly brought back from Shiraz in Persia in the fourteenth century. Identified by a characteristic jammy, black pepper fragrance, Shiraz thrives in the warm Australian climate, the U.S., northern France, and, increasingly, South Africa. You get a lot of bang for your buck with Shiraz, as most bottles are priced under $15. Another split-personality grape? Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are basically Italian and French names
