Shiraz

Syrah gained its reputation in France's Rhone region.

While it is known as Syrah in France, in Australia and South America the grape is better known as Shiraz.

It is the dominant red grape grown and used in Australian fine wine.  It is also an increasingly popular grape grown in California, where it usually referred to as Syrah.   It is also known as Hermitage, Marsanne Noir, Petite Syrah, and Sirac.

Syrah/Shiraz is usually full-bodied with a richly textured taste. It can be fruitier with hints of smokiness, very rich and complex with forward fruit, or exhibit strong spice and pepper qualities.