The Region:
The McLaren Vale Wine Region is located 45 minutes south of Adelaide, the capital of South Australia. The area is bound to the south by the Sellicks Hill Range, extends east to Clarendon, reaches to the north just beyond Reynella and is bordered on the west by the waters of Gulf St. Vincent. First planted with vines in the 1830s, McLaren Vale is best known today for its internationally-acclaimed, rich, flavourful Shiraz. The climate here is similar to the Mediterranean and its suitability to vinifera grape growing is defined by several factors:
- The McLaren Vale's proximity to Gulf St.Vincent moderates climatic conditions.
- Warm summer daytime temperatures (average 27°C/80.6°F) and the area's cool afternoon sea breezes ripen grapes slowly and evenly.
- The long ripening season extends hang time allowing grapes to reach physiological as well as sugar maturity, maximizing flavor.
- Rainfall is largely restricted to the winter months lowering disease pressure during the growing season.
- Weak soils restrict canopy development and produce complex, flavourful grapes.
Australian Brands
Shingleback, Red Knot, The Gate
