Region Research: McLaren Vale

McLaren Vale is located about 45 minutes from Adelaide’s CBD, it’s home to some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches and lays claim to being South Australia’s first wine-growing region (beating the Barossa by a couple of years in the 1800s!). 

History

Thomas Hardy and John Reynell first planted vines in 1838, in the early days the focus was on heavy, dry table wines but as with much of the rest of Australia the focus shifted to making fortified wines by the turn of the 20th century. An important influence on McLaren was post-war immigration that saw Italian immigrants bring olives for table and olive oil production as well as influencing new styles of wine production and consumption. The 70s saw the rejuvenation of table wine making with over 25 new wineries established. Today, McLaren Vale has more than 190 producers and it really has its own distinct personality with a Mediterranean influence from both the climate and the wine styles. 

Geography

With 30km of coastline, McLaren Vale’s Mediterranean climate brings hot summer days and low rainfall in the growing season. This favourable climate has allowed McLaren Vale to become the leader in organic viticulture, with the highest number of certified organic and biodynamic vineyards of any Australian region. 

“McLaren Vale is the most environmentally sustainable wine grape growing region in Australia, leading the way in organic practices, water management and climate-appropriate plantings”

Wine Australia, 2021

Detailed research has also been done on the geology of McLaren Vale resulting in soil maps and identification of rock sub-strata – 40 unique soil types have been identified varying from 15,000 to over 550 million years old! Some wineries produce separate sub-regional varieties to represent this varied geology. 

Wines

The Vale is one of South Australia’s favourite wine tourism destinations with over 80 cellar doors, many wine experiences and beautiful restaurants on offer too. It is also home to one of Australia’s picture postcard icons…the D’Arenberg Cube – inspired by ‘the complexities and puzzles of wine making’. An experience not to be missed with each level designed to entice and excite the senses.

Shiraz is the main grape variety grown, with cab sav coming in second whilst grenache is really making a name for itself with some outstanding examples. However, the climate of the region also favours other Mediterranean grape varieties including Montepulciano, Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Barbera and Nero d’Avola for reds and Viognier, Roussane, Marsanne, Fiano and Vermentino on the white side.  

A sample of what’s in store in The Vale…

• Hardy’s Tintara – one of the oldest producers and home of the globally renowned Hardys brand
• Wirra Wirra – one of the Vale’s most respected producers with a deep history too, their Church Block is perhaps their most well-known wine offering great value for money.
• D’Arenberg – worth it even just for the iconic photo opp
• Coriole – famed for the popularisation of Sangiovese in Australia and the Fiano is to die for too!
• Kay Brothers Amery – the oldest winery in McLaren Vale with one of the best cellar door locations – views from the hilltop plus fantastic wines
• S.C.Pannell – Stephen Pannell made his name at Hardys but has set up on his own and despite the brand being only 14 years old it’s already very well regarded. Italian and Mediterranean varieties are their specialty, including one of Australia’s best Nebbiolos. 

You can read about some of the wineries I’ve visited here

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Sources:

• Lonely Planet (2018) Wine Trails: Australia and New Zealand
• Young Gun of Wine (2021): The Ultimate Guide to the Best McLaren Vale Wineries & Cellar Doors
• McLarenvale.info