South Australian Wine - Wine Regions - Limestone Coast Zone

Limestone Coast Zone

The Limestone Coast zone is located in the south-east of the state, between the River Murray, the Southern Ocean, and the border with the neighbouring state of Victoria.

  • The Coonawarra is the most southerly (and most easterly) wine district in South Australia, and is known for the Cabernet Sauvignon grown in its terra rossa soil. For years there were disputes within the Coonawarra region about which vineyards could rightfully be considered "Coonawarra", and which were outside the boundaries. The soil itself became the deciding factor, with the lands with red terra rossa soil being visually distinguishable from the black soil found interspersed throughout the region. In addition to Cabernet, the region has also found some success with its Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Pinot noir, Riesling, Sauvignon blanc, Semillon and Shiraz.
  • The Mount Benson wine region is located in the southeastern part of the state near the Robe wine region, west of Coonawarra. The area has seen an influx of foreign investment, including the Rhône wine estate M. Chapoutier and the Belgium Kreglinger winery. The wines made here tend to be fruitier and less tannic than Coonawarra.
  • The Padthaway wine region is a little north of, and slightly warmer than, Coonawarra, but it is better known for its white wine production, particularly Chardonnay. The wines here are known for the balance of their natural acidity and fruit.
  • The Robe wine region is located near Mount Benson in the southeast part of the state, west of Coonawarra. The area is a developing wine region, currently once producing fruit for Southcorp Wines.
  • The Wrattonbully wine region is located between Coonawarra and Padthaway and had its first commercial vineyards established in the area in 1968. The climate of the region is similar to Coonawarra, but vineyards in the Wrattonbully region tend to be higher elevated and on better drained soils. The soil of the area includes clay, sand and loam on top of limestone, with some patches of terra rossa. Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz are the most popular plantings.

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