| The Limestone Coast viticultural
zone encompasses Padthaway, Coonawarra, Wrattonbully
and Mount Benson. Situated 380kms from Adelaide in
South Australia’s southeast corner, the region
boasts some of the most respected producers in
Australia.
Coonawarra (Aboriginal for Honeysuckle) is at the
centre of the Limestone Coast. Its trademark terra
rossa soil strip, which is only 15km long by 1.5km
wide, contributes significantly to the grape quality
and fine structure of the wines.
Padthaway is 64kms to the north of Coonawarra.
Its soils are similar to its southern cousin,
however it is slightly warmer. Known more for its
white wines, Padthaway is largely controlled by the
major wine companies, as it is their source of
grapes for premium blends.
Between Coonawarra and Padthaway lies the newly
named region of Wrattonbully (formerly Koppamurra).
There are a thousand hectares of vines planted, with
much of the production used by BRL Hardy, Beringer
Blass (formerly Mildara Blass) and Yalumba. Red
varieties make up most of the plantings.
Mt Benson is located due west of Coonawarra on
the coast and has a strong maritime influence. The
region is one of the youngest Australian
viticultural areas with plantings only commencing in
1989. The growing season is tempered by the southern
ocean, resulting in cooler temperatures than
Coonawarra.
So what is the difference? Some say it is the
terra rossa soil over limestone, combined with a
longer ripening period. This produces wines with
more elegance, freshness and a mineral-like
complexity in both reds and whites. These characters
differ somewhat to the riper, more concentrated
flavours of the warmer regions such as the Barossa
Valley and McLaren Vale
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