Because the name of this grape derived from Shiraz (which Australia has adopted), the capitial of Fars, the idea has sprung up that this variety must have originated in Persia.  We now know that it is pure French in its breeding, being the progeny of two minor varieties, the Mondeuse Blanche and Dureza.  The Syrah makes fashionably dark-colored red wines in many countries. 

Info : The Sotheby's Wine Encyclopedia 4th Ed by Tom Stevenson