Q&A: Wine & Food Questions
wine orgins
I read that the syrah-shiraz grape was native to Iran {shiraz} ,then read that no in fact it was native to France. Is there truth to either of these claims or is the truth in the middle somewhere ?
Answer From Expert Roger C. Bohmrich, MW
This may be the most popular question relating to a grape variety. There have been many legends and theories connected with the origin of Syrah; among them, that the grape originated in Iran, explaining its alternate name, Shiraz. In fact, we know from DNA testing that Syrah is derived from Mondeuse Blanche and Dureza and is native to southeastern France. Cuttings from French vineyards and nurseries were taken to Australia, where the variety came to be called Shiraz.
About The Expert
Roger has enjoyed a lengthy career in the wine trade as an importer and retailer, and at present he is an educator, speaker and consultant. He set up and managed Millesima USA, a New York merchant affiliated with Europe's leader in direct sales of fine wines to consumers. Previously, he served as senior executive of Frederick Wildman & Sons, traveling regularly around the world to visit wineries and taste the new vintage from barrel. Roger became one of America's first Masters of Wine in 1993.
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