Shiraz and Syrah are entirely interchangeable and refer to the same variety of grape.

It is believed that the name of the grape Shiraz was taken from that of the city of Shiraz, Iran, where the process of wine making is believed to have originated 7000 years ago. In fact, based on a DNA study in 1998, it originated in the vicinity of the Northern Rhône valley of France.

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 is often vinified on its own, but is also frequently blended with other grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Viognier. It is grown in many wine producing regions around the world.

Wines made from Shiraz are often quite powerfully flavoured and full-bodied. The variety 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.