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The terroir of wines from Coonawarra The Classification of wines from Coonawarra

The Best of Coonawarra Wines

Coonawarra, a leading Cabernet Sauvignon region in South Australia, stands out for its unique terra rossa limestone soils. It is located approximately 375 kilometres from Adelaide and 450 kilometres from Melbourne in a scenic setting.

The cooler climate, distinct from other South Australian regions, contributes to viticultural excellence. The wine producer Riddich, Established in 1890 by John Riddoch, is celebrated for crafting elegant, award-winning red wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon.

The slender terra rossa strip, atop free-draining limestone, elevates Coonawarra Cabernet to international prominence. Beyond Cabernet, the region produces quality reds like Shiraz, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Merlot, as well as diverse white wines including Chardonnay and Riesling, enhancing the acclaimed viticulture.

Suppliers in Coonawarra

Katnook Estate
All wines in Coonawarra
Coonawarra
Wines from Coonawarra have an average of 4.4 stars based on 4 professional reviews

The terroir of wines from Coonawarra

The Coonawarra wine region, nestled in South Australia's Limestone Coast near the Victorian border, experiences dry, moderately warm summers accompanied by chilly nights, while winters bring bracing coldness. Persistent cloud cover contributes to cooler temperatures in this area.

Despite its latitude, Coonawarra maintains a cooler climate, thanks to its flat terrain, proximity to the Southern Ocean, and the cold water from the Bonney Upwelling throughout the growing season. Its mild climate is crucial for extended ripening periods, flavour depth, and acidity retention. The region’s iconic Cabernet Sauvignon thrives in this terroir, renowned for its concentrated fruit flavors and well-integrated tannins.

The Terra Rossa soil, a reddish-brown topsoil overlying soft limestone, covers a 12km strip, enriched by silt deposits from nearby plains. This unique soil's iron-oxide formations, silica, and nutrients foster vineyards with superior drainage and slightly alkaline pH, controlling vine vigour.

The Classification of wines from Coonawarra

In 2003, it achieved prestigious Australian Geographical Indication (AGI) status, aligning with the European Designation of Origin system. Proudly situated within the Limestone Coast Wine Zone, Coonawarra is renowned for exceptional viticulture, holding an esteemed position among Australia's distinguished wine-producing areas.



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