🍇 One Grape, Two Names: The Story Behind Wine’s Multiple Identities

Ever picked up a bottle of Shiraz and thought, Wait, isn’t this just Syrah? Or maybe you’ve stumbled upon Garnacha and Grenache and wondered, Are these secret twins separated at birth? You’re not alone! Let’s decode the delicious mystery of why some wines seem to have aliases.

It’s All About Geography, Darling

Just like your friend Ashley who insists on being called Ash in certain circles, grapes sometimes adopt new names based on where they’re grown. Take Shiraz and Syrah, for example.

• Syrah hails from France, where it thrives in the Rhône Valley. The name sounds sophisticated, doesn’t it? Très français.

• But take that same grape Down Under to Australia, and voilà—it’s Shiraz. Why the switch? Aussies liked the punchier name to match their bold, sun-soaked style of winemaking.

  
  

Garnacha vs. Grenache: A Tale of Two Tongues

Another grape with an identity crisis is Garnacha—or should I say Grenache?

• Garnacha is what the Spanish call this hardy, sun-loving grape.

• But when it crossed the border into France, the name morphed into Grenache, which sounds a bit more, shall we say, fancy?

The grape itself doesn’t change—still luscious, fruity, and perfect for blending—but the vibe shifts depending on its home turf.

Zinfandel’s Italian Cousin: Primitivo

If you’ve ever sipped a bold, jammy Zinfandel from California, you might be surprised to learn it’s genetically identical to Italy’s Primitivo. Why the two names? The grape has dual citizenship! Primitivo made its way to the States with immigrants, where it adopted a whole new persona—and a sweet spot in Napa.

Pinot Gris vs. Pinot Grigio: Same Grape, Different Attitudes

This one’s a mood changer:

• Pinot Grigio is Italian—light, crisp, and zippy, like a Vespa ride through Rome.

• Pinot Gris, its French alter ego, is richer and fuller, like a leisurely stroll through Alsace.

Both are the same grape but styled differently to suit local tastes.

Why Does It Matter?

These name swaps aren’t just about confusing you in the wine aisle (though that’s a fun side effect). They tell the story of wine’s journey across cultures and climates. The same grape can transform based on where it’s planted, how it’s made, and who’s drinking it.

So next time you pour yourself a glass of Shiraz or Syrah, raise a toast to its many names. Because, just like wine, we all have different sides to us depending on where we are—and who’s pouring.

DO TELL: What’s your favorite wine alias?

Let’s chat about it in the comments! 🍷