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 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.
