Origins and Global Presence of Syrah/Shiraz and Zweigelt
Syrah/Shiraz: A Grape of Many WorldsSyrah’s story begins in the Rhône Valley of France, where it was born from a natural cross between two local varieties, Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche. Ancient references, including those by Pliny the Elder, suggest its presence in the region for centuries. While it nearly faded from view in the mid-20th century, Syrah made a strong comeback and soon found new homes around the world. In Australia, it was renamed Shiraz and became the country’s signature grape, with some of the oldest vines dating back to the 1800s. The grape also traveled to California, Chile, South Africa, and beyond, each region putting its own stamp on the wine’s style and character.Zweigelt: Austria’s Modern ClassicZweigelt is a relatively recent addition to the world of wine, created in 1922 by Dr. Fritz Zweigelt near Vienna. By crossing St. Laurent and Blaufränkisch, he developed a grape that quickly became Austria’s leading red variety. Its success at home inspired plantings across Central Europe, especially in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary, where it thrives in cooler climates. Zweigelt has also made its way to Canada’s Niagara Peninsula, parts of Germany, and even small pockets in the United States and Japan, proving its adaptability and growing appeal among winemakers worldwide.