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Grapes have travelled from far and wide to bring us the wine that we have come to love today.

Since wine is very much a global business, different varieties have been adapted in different regions, and are often given new names.

For example, France’s Syrah became Shiraz when it moved to Australia, and Pinot Gris can also be called Pinot Grigio, depending on whether you are in the Middle Ages or modern-day Italy.

These are all things you can use to impress your average guest, should you be entertaining, and getting to know more about the different grapes can also enhance the experience of knocking back a glass.

Let’s have a look at popular grapes that have different names depending on where you find them around the world, courtesy of Wine Mag.

Syrah/Shiraz

First, the French variety of red grapes was called Syrah, most notably as the main grape of the Northern Rhône, a region in France home to 22 different grape varieties.

Then, this red grape was exported to Australia and took on a slightly different name: Shiraz.

The reason for the name change is still a bit of a mystery, but it helped put Australia’s unique style on the map:

In fact, regions like California have adopted the name Shiraz to sometimes indicate their bottles are like the the fruitier Australian style rather than the rustic French Syrahs.

In South Africa, we have both the French style and the Australian style, Syrah and Shiraz, available.

Franschhoek’s Anthonij Rupert Wyne offers a superb 2014 Syrah that is “complex and intriguing” with an “understated fynbos edge to plump black plum and vanilla spice with a hint of violets on the nose”.

If that’s not the titillation one is after, then there’s also the 2019 Shiraz, perfumed with an “enticing floral overlay” while the pallet dances with a “combination of raspberry and black current that fades into a smokey, flinty finish”.

Now your guests are really taking notice.

Pinot Noir/Spätburgunder

Hailing from France, Pinot Noir is the most common name for this grape.

In Germany, however, the grape is called Spätburgunder, which translates as a reference to its Burgundian origins, where it gained a world-renowned reputation.

Although, the true origin of this grape is a bit hazy, with the only information coming from a mention as far back as 1283 under yet another name, Moreillon.

A 2017 Sneeuwkrans Pinot Noir, with “autumn leaves and a whiff of spice adding interest” pays homage to that rich history.

Mourvèdre/Monastrell/Mataro

This Spanish variety has a plethora of names, but the most common in Spain is Monastrell.

Having travelled to France’s Provence region in the 16th century from Morvedre (now Sagunto), this grape then took on the name Mourvèdre.

The variety also travelled to France’s Roussillon region from Mataró, making Mataró the most common name used in Australia and California.

Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio

Pinot Gris came about due to a slight Pinot Noir mutation, resulting in berries with darker skins that are able to turn pink or even purple as they ripen.

The name has been attributed to several varieties going back to the Middle Ages, but when Pinot Gris was introduced to Italy in the early 19th century, it adopted the Italian translation, Pinot Grigio.

The grape has since exploded across the globe producing wines that range from simple to complex.

In South Africa, Rupert Wine’s 2020 Terra Del Capo Pinot Grigio ticks that full flavour range, with “peach, nectarine and stone fruit” finished with “a light brush of dust on the nose”.

That history lesson should do the trick.

Now all you have to do is order the stuff, and you’re ready to impress.

[source:winemag]