Coonawarra

Overview

To many, Coonawarra produces the finest wines on the Australian continent, especially Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Much farther south than Adelaide Hills or Barossa Valley, Coonawarra lies in the Limestone Coast area of South Australia and enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate. Famous for its red, ‘terra rossa’ soil, the region also contains areas of black soil, which are equally suited to the cultivation of top quality vineyards.

History

Coonawarra’s history revolves around a dispute of official regional demarcation. Renowned for producing Australia’s finest wines, every winemaker anywhere near Coonawarra wanted to be to write the famous region name on his/her labels. The real differentiating aspect between a true Coonawarra wine and an emulator is the ‘terra rossa’ soil, which produces such concentrated wines. Other wines, produced in the secondary black soil of the region, do not contain the punch that makes a true Coonawarra ‘terra rossa’ wine. However the division could not be made based on soil type due to the mix of earth in the general region. The settlement of the dispute ruled that the Coonawarra district would include everything along the low Coonawarra ridge, the area most influenced by the prevailing Mediterranean climate.

Geography

Coonawarra is a small region that lies in the Limestone Coast area of South Australia, well to the south of the state capital of Adelaide.

Temperature

Coonawarra prospers in a distinctly Mediterranean climate composed of warm days tempered by cool onshore breezes from the ocean. Diurnal variation is fairly pronounced with temperatures rising as high as 100 degrees farenheit during the day, and then falling below 50 degrees at night.

Topography

Vineyards grow across rolling hills and plains.

Terroir

Coonawarra owes its magnificent success in part to its climate, but mostly to the soil of the region. Vines are planted in the famous ‘terra rossa’ soil underlain by porous limestone, providing great drainage and forcing the plants to push deep into the soil in search of water. As a result, grapes are small and concentrated, resulting in intense flavors.

Important Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon: This variety is Coonawarra’s claim to fame. As Australia’s best Cabernet, this wine can thank its intensity to the combination of climate and soil.
Merlot: This variety is primarily mixed with other grapes in Coonawarra.
Shiraz: Not as big and bold as that from McLaren Vale or Barossa Valley.