They are actually the same grape.

Syrah is the European name for Shiraz. Shiraz actually was made popular by the Australians and has been adopted as the name for this varietal by the “New World” wine consumers.

Syrah, not to be mistaken for Petite Syrah, was made popular in Europe by Durriff. Who was said to be the first to bring Syrah to France. The grape can be traced back to the Middle East where wine began.

Syrah is widely planted in the Rhone region in France and is one of the 13 allowable grapes that can be blended in Chateauneuf du Pape. It is also used in Hermitage.

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