Coonawarra
CULTIVATING COOL OF CONTENDERS CLASS
Coonawarra is a small region with a big reputation. It’s part of South Australia’s picturesque Limestone Coast. Premium wines are the big drawcard here.
Coonawarra is a wine region known for quality wines that have evolved over time. Some vineyards have been tended for generations, premium Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz age for decades, and locals and visitors enjoy the scenic serenity of the surrounds.
Coonawarra has remained true to the classic Shiraz and Cabernet wines, but a new generation of young winemakers are re-energising the region with alternative grape varieties and new winemaking styles.
Coonawarra is famed for its age-worthy red wines and strip of terra rossa (‘red soil’) – one of the most valuable patches of earth in Australian wine. Cellar doors are packed close together, ready to welcome those who drive the distance.
Read on for more about Coonawarra.
37° 31`’S
latitude
140° 51’E
longitude
5,784HA
total vineyard area
Climate and Altitude
Coonawarra is a flat, low-altitude region with a moderate climate influenced by the ocean.
260MM
growing season rainfall
20.1C
mean temperature
51-127M
altitude
The Environment
The Coonawarra wine region is centered on the town of Coonawarra in South Australia’s Limestone Coast, close to the border with Victoria.
Climate
Summer is dry and moderate though the nights are chilly, and winter can be bracingly cold. Consistent cloud cover contributes to the cooler temperatures.
Soil
With its limestone-based soils, including the famous terra rossa, and a cooler climate than other South Australian wine regions, Coonawarra is ideal for producing elegant, award-winning wines.
The Makers
Top Varieties Grown
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Coonawarra makes some of the world’s best Cabernet. It’s powerful and rich with classic flavours of blackberry, dark cherry and mint. Some need a few years of ageing to settle and become more drinkable. The best can age for many decades.
SHIRAZ
Up until the 1950s when Cabernet took over, Shiraz was the main grape variety grown here. It’s a food-friendly Shiraz that’s often lighter than those from South Australia’s warmer regions.
MERLOT
Merlot is a relative latecomer to the Coonawarra wine region and makes full-flavoured, interesting and age-worthy red wines. It’s often blended with Cabernet.
Wine Varieties in Coonawarra
The ultimate guide to Coonawarra wine
Learn about this renowned wine region’s history, discover what makes its terra rossa soil so unique, and marvel at the range of varieties and styles on offer.
