The South Australian Wine Story

Currency Creek www.currencycreekwineregion.com.au Area: 425 hectares/ Altitude: 50-70m Production: 85% red, 15% white Principal varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc An emerging wine region, Currency Creek is physically close to McLaren Vale and equally influenced by a coastal location, but that is where the comparisons end. The climate is slightly cooler and the region’s two standout varieties are distinctly different from those of its near neighbour. The Cabernet Sauvignons have more in common with those from the Coonawarra, while the Shiraz has a Rhone Valley-like spicy fruit. Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon also do well, the latter displaying an intensity and delicacy reminiscent of the Hunter Valley. Soil and topography are central to Currency Creek’s success. Dominant rolling sandy slopes over clay allowgroundwater to collect and be easily accessed by vine roots. Southern Fleurieu Area: 440 hectares / Altitude: 250m Production: 75% red, 25% white Principal varieties: Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon, Chardonnay Vineyards and wineries are but one of many tourist attractions in a region that includes the major beach resort of Victor Harbor. The undulating slopes and gentle hills pose no limitations to viticulture and enhance the beauty of the vineyards within a diverse landscape. Southern Fleurieu is perhaps the most distinct of the five regions in the zone, with a pronounced maritime influence. The climate is cooler than many people expect, and this is reflected in the wines. As with the rest of the zone, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon dominate, but those in the know foresee an increased investment in Merlot, so well is it suited to the conditions. Kangaroo Island www.eatdrinkki.com.au Area: 150 hectares / Altitude: 30-180m Production: 60% red, 40% white Principal varieties: Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay The third largest island off the Australian coast, beautiful KI (as locals know it) is a mix of beaches, native vegetation, desert dunes and farmland. More than one-third of the island is national park and this pristine environment free of mainland pests hosts so much native fauna it is a true outdoor zoo. Viticulture began in the 1990s and today wine makes an important contribution to KI’s reputation for high- quality natural produce, including honey, dairy products and seafood. The climate is temperate and devoid of extremes, with a truly maritime influence, while the soils are similar to those of Padthaway in the Limestone Coast Zone. The longest established style is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, but KI now boasts a wide variety of styles, from Shiraz and Riesling to Cabernet Franc and Savagnin. 18 The South Australian Wine Story Wineries to Watch McLaren Vale • Chalk Hill • Chapel Hill • Clarendon Hills • Coriole • Currency Creek • D’Arenberg • Fox Creek Wines • Gemtree Vineyards • Geoff Merrill Wines • Kay Brothers Amery Vineyards • SC Pannell • Wirra Wirra • Yangarra Estate Langhorne Creek • Angas Plains Estate • Bleasdale Vineyards • Bremerton Wines • Lake Breeze Wines Currency Creek • Angus Wines • Shaw Family Vintners Southern Fleurieu • Minko Wines • Salomon Estate Kangaroo Island • The Islander Estate Vineyards • Dudley Wines • Bay of Shoals Wines Image: South Australian TourismCommission