Australian wine has no native grapes, and "Vitis vinifera" varieties were introduced from Europe and South Africa in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Some varieties have been bred by Australian viticulturists, for example Cienna and Tarrango. Although Syrah was originally called Shiraz in Australia and Syrah elsewhere, its dramatic commercial success has led many Syrah producers around the world to label their wine "Shiraz". About 130 different grape varieties are used by commercial winemakers in Australia. Over recent years many winemakers have begun exploring so called "alternative varieties" other than those listed above. Many varieties from France, Italy and Spain
Muscat (grape) "Vitis vinifera" grape variety are descended from the Muscat variety. Among the most notable members of the Muscat family are "Muscat blanc à Petits Grains", which is the primary grape variety used in the production of the Italian sparkling wine "Asti" (also known as "Moscato Asti") made in the Piedmont region. It is also used in the production of many of the French fortified wines known as "vin doux naturels". In Australia, this is also the main grape used in the production of "Liqueur Muscat", from the Victorian wine region of Rutherglen. Young, unaged and unfortified examples of "Muscat blanc"