South Australia Wine

South Australia is the strong arm of the Australia wine industry, where the majority of the country’s wines are produced. Some of the biggest labels originate from this state, from the mass-produced tables wines to rare, highly prized cult bottlings such as Penfolds, Grant Burge and Henschke Hill of Grace. And in a vast range of styles from sparkling to sweet. Due to a successful quarantine against Phylloxera, which hit the east of the country and otherwise devastated Europe, South Australia can boast some of the oldest original vines in the world.

The pride of the region is Shiraz, the signature grape brought over from the Rhone that thrives in many of the area’s microclimates. But each region has its own variation in terroir and weather system, lending to diverse styles and grape-growing trends from the warm, bold, red-driven Barossa and Coonawarra regions to cooler climate, white-producing Clare and Eden valleys.
The regions of South Australia state are:

    * Fleurieu Peninsula, which includes the McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek and Kangaroo Island regions for Shiraz and Rhone varietal blends (with Grenache and Mourvedre) as well as Cabernet, whites from Viognier, Chardonnay and Verdelho.
    * Far North, with only one region, the Southern Flinders Ranges, known for high quality Shiraz, Cabernet and Merlot. Many grapes grown are sourced to vineyards in other regions.
    * Barossa, a mix of Rhone and Bordeaux varietals and blends with some whites, but including the Eden Valley, famous for its Rieslings.
    * Riverland, known for its Chardonnay as well as Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Many grapes grown here are used for blends in wines from other regions.
    * Limestone Coast, includes the rock star red Coonawarra region and the sparkling and Pinot Noir-friendly Padthaway. The area is known for its terra rossa soil type and high quality productions.
    * Mount Lofty Ranges, which encompasses the Adelaide Hills, Clare Valley and Adelaide Plains. This area is known for excellent cool climate varietal productions from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc as well as sparking wines.