And Are they pronounced the same???

Shiraz and Syrah are two different names for the same grape variety.

Winemakers can choose which name to use on the label. You will find French wines labelled as Shiraz now and you will find new world wines labelled as Syrah.

Often the name used is meant to signify the style of the wine - i.e. those using Shiraz suggest their wine is in the big Australian style, and those using Syrah imply theirs is in the French Rhone style, but sometimes it is just marketing. Some wineries in southern France who changed the name on their labels from Syrah to Shiraz found they had much greater success in export markets as more customers were familiar with the Shiraz name.

Proununciation of the words are

Sear - raaahhh - Syrah

Shear - azzz - Shiraz

To hear them pronounced click on http://www.stratsplace.com/dictd225.wav as listed on Stratsplace

The reason two different names developed is probably down to pronuciation. At the time the first vines were shipped to Australia in the 1830's it was spelled as 'scyras'.

Said with the last s sounds much like modern Shiraz, said in the French manner without the last s it sounds much like Syrah.

see also http://www.winelabels.org/artsyr.htm...

Syrah & Shiraz are the same grape. The difference being that Shiraz is the name used in Australia & sometimes in California. The only real difference is in winemaking style. Shiraz is usually made with riper grapes from warmer climates and tends to be fruiter and more up front, more in your face! Syrah is generally made from grapes from cooler climes and is more refined & elegant. A smoother food wine. Much better for long term enjoyment.