| McLaren Vale, South Australia
Coordinates: 35º14'S, 138º33'E
Altitude: 50-200m
Heat degree days: 1910
Sunshine hours per day: 8.6
Annual Rainfall: 660mm
Growing season rainfall: 180mm
Mean January temperature: 21.7ºC
Harvest: Late February - late April McLaren Vale is a region entrenched with history, fine wine and fine food. Vines were first planted in the mid 1800's. The region rode the cycle of boom and bust to the present day where it is now a major contributor to Australia's annual grape harvest. The region contains some of the country's largest producers, but it also has a good number of boutique wineries that consistently make fine wines and experiment with different wine styles. There is substantial climatic variation throughout McLaren Vale, due to varying exposure to the influence of the nearby ocean. There are also significant changes in altitude as the region merges with the Adelaide Hills and the Mount Lofty Ranges. Summer rainfall is low and these days irrigation is considered essential. Sandy soils are on the coast, ironstone in the hills and red/brown earths on the flats. The region is most famous for its red varieties - in particular Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. However, several varieties perform superbly, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc (on cooler sites), Grenache, Malbec and Merlot. Sources:
James Halliday www.winepros.com.au
Toni Paterson MW www.winediva.com.au | 
