Exploring the Unique Terroir of the Great Southern Wine Region
December 24, 2018
The largest wine region in Australia, the Great Southern, stretches along the south coast of WA. It is the only wine region in the country with the highest number of subregions, namely–Frankland River, Albany, Mount Barker, Denmark and Porongurup. Compared to others in Europe and Australia, the Great Southern wine region is the closest to the equator.
A Brief History
Relatively a new wine region in WA, the Great Southern saw the plantation of first vines in the mid-1960s near Mount Barker. The first vines planted here were Cab Sav and Riesling (Presently, the two varieties form a part of the most grown grapes here). In a short span of time, the winemaking industry flourished making Great Southern wine region the second largest producer of grapes in WA.
A Walk Through the Vineyards
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The Climate |
The Soil |
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Towards the south, it experiences a maritime climate, however as one may move north and inland, the temperature variability and continental influence increases. Areas located on higher elevations witness slightly warmer temperature. |
The soil-type is similar to Margaret River - sandy loam over gneissic and granite bedrock or lateritic gravelly sandy loam. |
Must-Try Wines
Owing to the varied terrain, the warm-climate Great Southern wine region has earned a position for producing world-class wines. Chardonnay is the top-most grown variety here, revealing an aromatic bouquet and intense palate. The varietal is produced in various styles ranging from unwooded and barrel-fermented to well-aged Chards. This is followed by Sauv Blanc and age-worthy Riesling, other white wines produced widely in the region. Light-bodied Pinot Noir and textured Shiraz are amongst the most-harvested reds in Great Southern.
