McLaren Vale

McLAREN VALE: AN ANCIENT REGION WITH A PROGRESSIVE OUTLOOK

McLaren Vale is one of the oldest and most historically significant wine regions in Australia. It’s also one of the most innovative and exciting.

The birthplace of wine in South Australia, McLaren Vale lies just south of the capital city of Adelaide and offers a variety of soils that bask in a Mediterranean climate. Layered over this history is a commitment to innovation and change. The McLaren Vale wine community is known for being one of the most progressive and environmentally sustainable in the country, producing quality, contemporary styles crafted out of traditional and emerging grape varieties.

SHIRAZ is the region’s signature variety. It’s renowned for its velvety texture and complex palate, but there’s really no such thing as a ‘typical’ McLaren Vale Shiraz due to the wildly varying geology and soil types. It can range from medium-bodied and nuanced with raspberries to dark fruit, spicy and full-bodied. Some winemakers blend their final Shiraz from a variety of sub-regions to add complexity

CABERNET SAUVIGNON McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its varietal character and layers of flavour. The wines are often full-bodied and rich, with structure that makes them suitable for ageing. These characteristics ensure its continued popularity both domestically and internationally. Cabernet Sauvignon shines in the region’s cooler sites and vintages.

GRENACHE McLaren Vale has many old Grenache vines dating back as far as the late 1800s. The variety is still used in classic GSM (Grenache Shiraz Mataro/Mourvèdre) blends, but single-varietal wines – for a long time overlooked – have experienced a spirited renaissance during the last decade. Grenache is now a star performer. McLaren Vale winemakers produce varying styles of Grenache, with the older plantings producing richly flavoured wines with juiciness and spice. Regardless of style, the variety is perfectly suited to the region

CHARDONNAY is the major white grape planted in the region, delivering affordable, easy-drinking styles. However, in recent years winemakers have shifted their focus to Spanish and Italian varieties better suited to the Mediterranean climate.