The South Australian Wine Story

Wrattonbully www.wrattonbullywineregion.com Area: 2673 hectares / Altitude: 75-150m Production: 80% red, 20% white Principal varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Chardonnay Wrattonbully sits inland between Coonawarra and Padthaway but at higher altitude, and there is a surprising climate variation across the region. This is red wine territory, with vineyards planted almost exclusively on the Coonawarra-style terra rossa soils, and dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon. The Merlots are worthy of attention as well, however. James Halliday notes that they have “consistently asserted individual character and quality”. Mt Benson www.mtbensonwineregion.com.au Area: 504 hectares / Altitude: 50-150m Production: 75% red, 25% white Principal varieties: Shiraz, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc Mt Benson also is endowed with terra rossa soils. However, with its natural bushland setting, between rugged coast and inland lakes, this region at first does not look like a wine region. The maritime influence is pronounced with many vineyards nestled amongst the trademark rolling hills. Mt Benson is leading the charge in producing elegant, spicy, cool-climate Shiraz with a strong back-up from aromatic white varieties Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris. Innovative winemaking and consumer-friendly wines – drinkable, fun, interesting wines. Robe www.robe.com.au Around 90% of the current Robe vineyard area of 500 hectares was planted between 1995 and 2000. The three main varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Chardonnay. More recent expansion has included Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc. Robe was once the third largest port in South Australia and a major landing point for Chinese immigrants heading to the Victorian goldfields at the end of the 19th century. Mt Gambier www.mountgambierwines.com Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards were planted in the Mt Gambier region in the 1980s, followed by a steady expansion and the inclusion of other varieties such as Cabernet and Merlot in the 1990s. Most recently, Riesling has performed well as producers continue to innovate. Mt Gambier was not declared a formal region until 2010. More than 60% of its current vineyard area of 290 hectares was planted between 2001 and 2010. The city of Mt Gambier is South Australia’s second largest after Adelaide. Other locations Vineyards also have been established with some success in locations outside the formal Limestone Coast regions. A good example is Mundulla/Bordertown, which offers differences in regional expression and character thanks to the warmer climate. New varieties such as Lagrein, Monetpulciano, Aglianico, Dolcetto, Petit Verdot and Tempranillo are featured there, alongside traditional Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. The South Australian Wine Story 21 Wineries to Watch Coonawarra • Balnaves of Coonawarra • Bellwether • Brand’s of Coonawarra • Katnook Estate • Leconfield • Majella • Penley Estate • Redmans • Raidis Estate • Rymill • Wynns Coonawarra Estate • Zema Estate Padthaway • Browns of Padthaway • Brysons • Farmer’s Leap • Landaire Wrattonbully • Land of Tomorrow • Smith and Hooper • Tapanappa • Terre à Terre Mt Benson • Cape Jaffa Wines • Norfolk Rise Vineyard • Wangolina Station Robe • Karatta Estate • Woodsoak Mt Gambier • Coola Road • Good Intentions Coonawarra Cabernet Masterclass: The Judgement of Paris – The Coonawarra version. Image: South Australian TourismCommission