Syrah into Australia in 1832 by James Busby, an immigrant who brought vine clippings from Europe with him, and it is almost invariably called "Shiraz". Today it is Australia's most popular red grape, but has not always been in such favour; in the 1970s, white wine was so popular that growers were ripping out unprofitable Shiraz and Grenache vineyards, even those with old vines. In the Barossa Valley, the world's oldest continually producing commercial vineyard is believed to be the Shiraz vines at Turkey Flat in Tanunda that were originally planted in 1847. Many factors, including the success of brands like
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"