McLaren Vale facts for kids
| Wine region | |
 |
|
| Type | Australian Geographical Indication |
|---|---|
| Year established | 1997 |
| Country | Australia |
| Part of | Fleurieu zone |
| Heat units | 1525 |
| Precipitation (annual average) | 180 mm (7.1 in) |
| No. of wineries | at least 120 |
McLaren Vale is a famous wine region in South Australia, a state in Australia. It is located near the city of Adelaide, about 38 kilometers (24 miles) south of the city center. This area is known around the world for its amazing wines. It is even part of the "Great Wine Capitals of the World."
The region was named after either David McLaren, who managed the South Australia Company, or John McLaren, who surveyed the area in 1839. In late 1839, two farmers from England, William Colton and Charles Thomas Hewett, were among the first people to settle here. They started Daringa Farm and Oxenberry Farm.
At first, farmers in McLaren Vale mostly grew cereal crops like wheat. But in 1838, John Reynell and Thomas Hardy planted grape vines. By 1850, the Seaview and Hardy wineries were already making wine. Some of the grapevines planted over 100 years ago are still used today! Now, there are more than 88 places where you can taste wine in McLaren Vale. Most of these are small, family-run businesses.
Where is McLaren Vale?
This wine region is located in the southern part of the Adelaide city area. To the west, it touches the coast of Gulf St Vincent. To the east, it is next to the hills of the Mount Lofty Ranges. Its northern edge starts at the coast in a suburb called Hallett Cove. It then goes into the hills in a suburb called Chandlers Hill. Most of the region is in the City of Onkaparinga local government area. A small part of its northern end is in the City of Marion.
What is the Climate Like?
The McLaren Vale wine region has a Mediterranean climate. This means it has four clear seasons. Summers are dry and warm, usually from December to March or April. This makes for a smooth change between summer and winter. The days are long and warm, and the nights are short and cool.
Winters bring rain, about 580–700 millimeters (23–28 inches) each year. This rain helps the plants grow well in spring. Because the region is very close to the sea, it rarely gets frost or very dry periods (droughts).
Amazing Wines of McLaren Vale
The McLaren Vale wine region is famous for its dry red wines. The most well-known types are made from Shiraz, Grenache, and Mourvedre grapes. Other red grapes grown here include Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, and Sangiovese. For white wines, you can find varieties like Fiano, Vermentino, Grenache blanc, and Roussanne. These are all types of Mediterranean grapes.
Shiraz is by far the most important grape for this region. It makes up about half of all the grapes crushed here. The area has thin soils, not much water, and warm summers. These conditions make Shiraz grapes grow with intense flavors. The wines made from them have a deep purple color and can be kept for many decades. McLaren Vale wines are known for being rich, elegant, and complex.
There are 3,218 hectares (7,952 acres) of Shiraz grapes planted in the region. Other major grape types include Cabernet Sauvignon with 1,288 hectares (3,183 acres). Chardonnay covers 722 hectares (1,784 acres), and Grenache has 402 hectares (993 acres). Many of these Grenache vines are old "bush vines" that grow without extra watering.
