In the Fleurieu Peninsula, McLaren Vale is the most important wine-growing region with its production of famous wines known all over the world.
McLaren Vale is a coastal area south of Adelaide where it can enjoy the oceanic breeze cooling the South Australia's heat. The wine region is the north-west part of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Its name come from the city of McLaren Vale in the suburbs of Adelaide. The area is slotted between St Vincent Gulf in the east and the Mount Lofty Ranges in the west.
The climate is more like Mediterranean thanks to the maritime winds and the cold from the neighbouring mountains. McLaren Vale soils are wildly diverse -sand, limestone, clay ...- which give the wine regions a diversity of terroirs and wine styles.
Grape varieties in McLaren Vale
McLaren Vale produces mainly red wines with Syrah, Grenache or Cabernet Sauvignon. These wines have ripped and elegant tannins and black fruit flavors. The ancient vines of Syrah and Grenache make sought after wines thanks to their complexity and depth. The old vines yield small and highly concentrated berries.
McLaren Vale recently begins to produce white wines with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Best producers in McLaren Vale
McLaren Vale's stronghold is the great wine estate D'Arenberg and the rising star Mitolo is the new interesting producer of the region.
