South Australia

Wine-growing region (GI) in the federal state of South Australia in Australia, part of the Fleurieu zone. There is a sub-region called Clarendon. Wine has been grown here since 1838. A leading pioneer was Thomas Hardy (1830-1912), who established a wine estate here in 1853, and grew to bet he biggest wine-producer in the region by the end of the 19th century. The vineyard area totals around 2.700 hectares, the vineyards stretch from south of Adelaide to south of Morphett Vale. The soils are varied, with sand, red clay, yellow clay, limestone and various alluvial soils. Rainfall is adequate, so that, inlike many other regions in Australia, irrigation is not required. The proximity to the ocean provides a tempering influence on the climate, with long warm days and cool nights. The region is particularly well-known for its full-bodied Shiraz wines, this variety accounts for 50% of the total vineyard area. 75% of the area is planted with the red varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache Noir, Merlot and Shiraz, the remaining 25% is planted with the white varieties Chardonnay, Sémillon, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. Well-known producers include Chapel Hill Winery, Château Reynella, Coriole, D´Arenberg Wines, Dennis, Garett, Hamilton, Hardy, Ingoldby, Merrill, Norman´s, Seaview, Wirra Wirra and Woodstock.