Shiraz is the most popular and widely planted grape variety in Australia. It consistently produces outstanding medium to full-bodied wines, deep crimson in colour and with rich, ripe plum and pepper flavours. Shiraz wines benefit from oak maturation and may be kept for many years. The Barossa Valley and Hunter Valley are home to many of the famous Shiraz wines. The synonym 'Syrah' may often be found in other wine producing countries.