SAME GRAPE, DIFFERENT NAME: WINE LABELS EXPLAINED WITHOUT THE HEADACHE

Wine labels can sometimes feel like a puzzle.

One bottle says Syrah, another says Shiraz. You might see Pinot Gris on one shelf and Pinot Grigio on another. Are they different grapes? Different wines? Different styles?

Often, the answer is surprisingly simple.

Many wines share the same grape variety but use different names depending on the country, language or style. Think of it as wine with different accents.

Different names — same grape.

SYRAH / SHIRAZ 

These are genetically the same grape.

The difference is usually stylistic and geographic.

Syrah is the traditional French name, most famously used in the Rhône Valley. Wines labelled Syrah often lean toward savoury notes like black pepper, herbs and dark fruit.

Shiraz became the preferred name in Australia and many New World regions. Shiraz wines are often fuller-bodied, richer and more fruit-forward.

Same grape — slightly different personality.

(Explore styles in our Red Wine Collection.)

GRENACHE / GARNACHA

Again, the exact same grape.

Grenache is the French name, widely used in southern Rhône wines and blends such as GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre).

Garnacha is the Spanish name and the grape’s original home. Spanish versions often emphasise bright red fruit, spice and warmth.

It’s one of the most widely planted red grapes in the world.

ZINFANDEL / PRIMITIVO

This one surprised the wine world when DNA testing confirmed the connection. 

Zinfandel is the famous Californian name for the grape.

Primitivo is the Italian version, grown mainly in the Puglia region.

Both styles tend to be rich, bold and packed with ripe berry flavours — though regional styles can differ slightly.

Interestingly, the grape’s oldest roots trace back to Croatia.

PINOT GRIS / PINOT GRIGIO

Same grape — different languages and often different styles.

Pinot Grigio is the Italian name and usually signals a lighter, crisp, refreshing style.

Pinot Gris is the French name and is often richer, rounder and more textured.

You’ll see both styles in many wine regions today.

(Browse examples in the White Wine Collection.)

TEMPRANILLO / TINTA RORIZ

Spain’s most famous red grape also goes by different names across the Iberian Peninsula.

Tempranillo is the classic Spanish name, particularly in Rioja and Ribera del Duero.

In Portugal, the same grape is often called Tinta Roriz and plays an important role in both red table wines and Port blends.

Different name, same historic grape.

WHY DOES THIS HAPPEN?

Wine naming traditions developed over centuries. 

Countries often use their own language or regional identity when naming grapes. Over time, these names become deeply tied to local culture and winemaking style.

So while the grape may be identical, climate, soil and winemaking approach can still create very different wines. 

DIFFERENT ACCENTS, SAME LANGUAGE

Wine doesn’t have to be confusing.

Once you realise that many grapes simply have multiple names depending on where they’re grown, wine labels suddenly make much more sense.

And exploring those regional differences becomes part of the fun.

Curious to explore these styles for yourself? Browse our Red Wine Collection or discover fresh favourites in the White Wine Collection at COVE 27.