To say South Australia is an important wine producing state is an understatement. It’s responsible for producing over 50% of Australia's entire annual production. It is also the heart of Australia's reputation for high quality wine.
Regions like the Barossa Valley, Coonawarra and Clare Valley’s reputable names are acknowledged throughout the world.
History
The first vineyard was planted in South Australia in 1986. The state was named a free ‘non convict’ colony which attracted an abundance of small farmers and business types who were keen to make a fortune and establish themselves in the vast land.
The new settlers were from England, Scotland, Germany and France who brought with them their knowledge of viticulture and grape growing.
Due to strict quarantine restrictions the state escaped the phylloxera plagues and can boast some of the oldest vines in the world.
South Australia has a Mediterranean climate as a general rule, north of the Flinders Ranges the temperatures are warmer and further south to Kangaroo Island the temperatures decrease. Within the state there are variable meso climates due to elevation, soils, rainfall and moderating factors.
Wine Zones
South Australia contains 8 wine zones and one super zone:
- Barossa
- Far North
- Fleurieu
- Limestone Coast
- Lower Murray
- Mount Lofty Ranges
- The Peninsulas
- Adelaide (Super Zone)
And within those zones are 18 Geographical indications ,
- Barossa Valley, Eden Valley
- Southern Flinders Ranges
- Currency Creek,Kangaroo Island, Langhorne Creek, McLaren Vale, Southern Fleurieu
- Coonawarra, Mont Benson, Mount Gambier, Padtheway, Robe, Wrattonbully
- Riverland
- Adelaide Hills, Adelaide Plains, Clare Valley
Legacy
Barossa Valley is recognised as Australia’s most famous wine region and located north east of the South Australian capital of Adelaide. The region has a warm grape growing climate on the valley floor with cooler areas in the surrounding hills. It’s known for its full bodied and fruit forward Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, full bodied white wines and richly complex fortifieds.
The valley systems and twisted hills offer a variety of aspects, soils and unique growing conditions.
The Barossa Valley is also home to the some of the world's oldest Shiraz, Mourvèdre and Grenache vines.
