Western Australia

Blackwood Valley

Located 260km south southeast of the city of Perth the region is host to the longest river in Western Australia also called the Blackwood River which extends to Geographe Bay. Max Fairbrass was the first to plant vines in the district back in 1976 and today it is host to over 50 vineyards and 19 wineries with around 600Ha under vine.

The region has an average seasonal rainfall of 219mm with the annual average being between 600mm and 900mm falling predominantly throughout the winter months.  The climate is very similar to that of Margaret River as it sits on the same latitude with exception of a greater difference in winter to summer temperatures. Mean January temperature is 20.7 degrees with an average humidity of 45%, with low rainfall this district presents as being blessed with low disease pressure. But the dryer climate does mean that frosts can occur throughout spring decimating crops that lack natural airflow. Site selection is important as altitude ranges between 100 metres and 340 metres above sea level. Irrigation is essential and given the undulating hilly nature of the land dam water is a resource as is bore water.

The district is made up of a series of valleys;

Slopes; yellow and red-brown loamy earths with thin soils and well draining   

Valley floor; gravelly content and deep alluvial sediment soils and well draining

This emerging wine region is host to the following varieties;

-          Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling

-          Cabernet, Shiraz, Merlot

The region was recognised in 1998 and is now home to its own national wine show and is testament to how fast the district is progressing. Many of the original growers are now some of the largest in the district as many Margaret River estates look to other districts to source fruit and invest capital to achieve fruit of similar quality without the significant cost of purchasing land in Margaret River.

The towns that make up the Blackwood Valley are;

Ballingup

Nannup

Bridgetown

Boyup Brook

Geographe

Located 175 south of the city of Perth Bunbury is at the heart of the region and was named after one of the ships in the fleet of Louis de Freycinet who conducted the first coast and botanic survey of Australian coastlines some 210 years ago.

The region is a premium fruit district and is host to the following coastal towns,

1.       Cape Naturaliste

2.       Dunsborough

3.       Busselton

4.       Bunbury

The region was first recognised in 1999 and now boasts more than 1200Ha of vines with the first vines being planted in the mid 1970’s.

The region is host to following sub-regions;

1.       Harvey

2.       Ferguson Valley

3.       Donnybrook

4.       Busselton

The climate is a maritime influence from predominantly the Indian Ocean which provides for near constant offshore winds. Average seasonal rainfall is a between 185 and 220mm with the bulk of the seasonal rainfall [737mm] taking place through the winter months, providing for a relatively dry ripening period with balanced conditions. Mean January temperature is 22.9 degrees with average humidity of 60% and an altitude of seas level to 70 metres above sea level.

The naturally low fertile Soils are;

Coastal; sand with a parent materials of limestone

Inland; gravelly sandy loam from gneissic rock.

The water table sits just 15 metres below the surface making it easy to draw the resource to create balanced vineyards and combat the low vigour capacities of the soils and maximise the benefits of growing on limestone.

Great Southern

The great southern wine region is 200km from east to west and 100km from north to south making it the largest GI region in Australia. The commercial prospects for the region started in the 1930’s by Bill Jamieson and today the region has over 5,775 acres of vines.

 Within the region there are 5 sub-regions;

Albany; Maritime climate with warm dry summers, soils of lateric gravelly, sandy loams or sandy loams derived directly from granite and gneissic rocks

Altitude;75 metres

Seasonal rainfall; 303mm

Humidity; 59%

Mean January temp; 19 degrees

Denmark; Maritime climate being cool and wet, soils of lateric gravelly, sandy loams or sandy loams derived directly from granite and gneissic rocks

Altitude; 50 – 150 metres

Seasonal rainfall; 354mm

Humidity; 75%

Mean January temp; 18.7 degrees

Frankland River; North west corner of region and deep inland with a continental climate, soils are lateric gravelly, sandy loams or sandy loams derived directly from granite and gneissic rocks. Rich red colours and uniform depth with areas of marri and karri loam.

Altitude; 200 - 300 metres

Seasonal rainfall; 310mm

Humidity; 47%

Mean January temp; 19 degrees

Mount Barker; Cool temperatures and long ripening continental climate, marri soils and lateric gravely and sandy loams provided from the granite rock. 

Altitude; 180 - 250 metres

Seasonal rainfall; 287mm

Humidity; 55%

Mean January temp; 19 degrees

Porongurup; cool and humid with mid-winter snow the soils are deep karri loams from weathered granite.

Altitude; 250 - 300 metres

Seasonal rainfall; 310mm

Humidity; 54%

Mean January temp; 19 degrees

This is one of the most important wine regions of Australia and one where site selection is crucial to optimise fruit and export opportunities.

Manjimup

The region is located inland of Pemberton, 307km south of the city of Perth and 131km south east of Bunbury. The district is famous for Black truffles and is the largest producer nationally as the climate is very similar to that of the major French truffle districts.

Average rainfall is between 650mm and 1,010mm annually with 279mm [or 25%] of that falling within the growing season. Drip irrigation is essential to create a consistently good vine canopy. Attitude ranges between 200 metres and 300 metres above saes level which is high and explains why the average temperature is only 20.3 degrees given how far inland the region is situated. The region is fortunate to be influenced by both the Indian Ocean and Southern Ocean and the cooling effect tends to allow the vines to reach full dormancy through winter. Due to the meeting point of these to natural airflows frost is non-existent and disease pressure is low with a moderate average humidity of 48%. This district experiences most of its rainfall through budburst which results in even ripening and balanced intense fruit flavours. This is an exceptional viticultural district which has a strong presence of corporate estates as the mean sunshine hours are very close to that of Bordeaux.

The soils of the district are;

-          Sandy gravelly loams

-          Ironstone layers

-          Red soil from underlying granite producing a red gravelly loam.

The core varieties grown are;

-          Chardonnay, Verdelho, Riesling, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc

-          Cabernet, Merlot, Shiraz, Pinot Noir

Margaret  River

Located where the Indian Ocean meets the Australian coast and the source for 20% of the nations premium wine production, but only accounting for 3% of the national crush. Situated 227km south south west of Perth and 48km south west of Busselton the region is 100km long north to south and up to 27km wide in parts. Currently the region hosts around 5,500 Ha of vines and is considered to mirror Bordeaux with its climate and soils.

The climate is mediterranean with only 200mm of the annual rainfall of 1160mm falling within the growing season. The maritime influence is strong and the offshore winds are constant as this is the meeting point for the westerly and south westerly airstreams. Altitude is a low 40 metres above sea level with a mean January temperature of 20.4 degrees. Humidity is high with an average of 59% and if it were not for the maritime influences disease pressure would be severe. As a result many growers are now running organic and biodynamic viticulture practices attempting to offset their reliance and operating cost on chemicals. Average regional temperature shows a shift of only 7.6 degrees which proves challenging for the vines the reach dormancy in the winter months, as the vine relies on temperature fluctuations to tell it when to sleep post vintage.

The core varieties grown are;

-          Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Verdelho, Chenin Blanc

-          Cabernet, Shiraz, Merlot

The soils of the region are;

-          Gravelly, gritty sand loam originating from granite and gneissic rock,

-          permeable

-          free draining

The region sits on top of a ridge that runs between Cape Leeuwin and Cape Naturaliste and believed to have formed when the Australian coast collided with the Antarctic Continent 1.4 million years ago. Having a similar climate to that of the Bordeaux districts of Pomerol and Saint Emilion but warmer than Bordeaux central this region is versatile and the low rainfall makes the district reliable. In recent years many French investors have purchased land and every year it seems another established estate is snapped up to bolster up French production.

The region was first established as a commercial viticultural district when Dr Tom Cullity planted vines on the Vasse Felix site which still exists today. [French owned]. But it was back in 1955 when studies were undertaken to assess its viability as an alternative to the establishment of the Great Southern wine region. Unlike Great Southern there are no sub-regions and in 1999 it was John Gladstone that attempted to have the following recognised due to soil and climate differences; Yallingup, Carbunup, Wilyabrup, treeton, Wallcliffe, Karridale.

He was not successful.

Peel

Located 75km south of Perth the history of Peel dates back to the 1880’swith the more recent reinvention of the district taking place in the mid 1970’s. Mandurah and Rockingham are the two cities at the heart of what is now planted to over 200Ha of vines.

The altitude ranges between sea level and 290 metres above sea level the more inland the location. This is a district which is heavily influenced by the Indian Ocean and combined with the large bodies of water throughout the district near constant cooling winds assist the regions diversity. Growing season rainfall is a low of between 160mm and 280mm and the mean January temperature is up to 23 degrees. Irrigation is essential throughout the district and the high water table is a great benefit to those situated on the coast over the lower fertile limestone. More inland fertility does increase a little as does the offshore winds the higher the altitude. 

The soils of the district are;

Inland; granite and gravel soils

Coastal; limestone sands, fluvial sediments

The higher altitude inland zones produce wines of great structure and fruit intensity and may prove to be a good fruit sourcing district for blending with the lower altitude coastal sites which would no doubt produce wines with some power and character.  These inland sites are generally well drained given the high gravel content and can experience extensive hot periods throughout the growing season. So site selection is worth considering  given its diverse capacity to ripen many varietie.

The core varieties grown are;

-          Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Viogner, Vermentino,

-          Cabernet, Merlot, Shiraz, Grenache, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Nebiollo, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc.

-          And many more.

The lifted heat averages and the limestone ground will enable this district to be quite diverse as it continues to rapidly expand. Being close to the city of Perth it is no wonder that it is a major holiday destination given the sheltered bay and exceptional fishing and surfing.

Pemberton

Located 335km of the city of Perth and 156km east of Bunbury this region was first recognised as a viticultural district in 2006. First planted in 1982 by Pat and Barbera Holt and now is home to around 50 vineyards and cellar doors. The region is popular with managed investment scheme plantings as the high rainfall and fertile lands can support higher yields of good quality fruit.

Average rainfall is around 1,188mm annually with around 30% or 340mm falling within the growing season. The maritime influence is very similar to Manjimup where the Indian and Southern Ocean provide for a cooler climate with very high rainfall and it were not for the offshore airflows then this region would be very high with disease pressure. It is only because the region is closer to the coast than Manjimup that the climate is cooler growing as it receives the full effect of the offshore environment. Mean January temperature is 19.6 degrees and altitude is 174 metres above sea level., given that altitude is low then a low mean  temperature is of great benefit as it lengthens the growing and ripening season and increases fruit quality.

The soils are highly fertile and generally have a high water holding capacity;

-          Lateritic; gravelly sandy loam overlying clay  with moderate to high fertility - Pemberton

-          Karri; deep fertile red soil from gneissic rock with very high water holding capacity- vigorous growth

Core varieties grown are;

-          Chardonnay, Semillon, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdelho

-          Cabernet, Shiraz, Cabernet franc, Petit Verdot, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Merlot

The region is known for not requiring additional irrigation due to nature of its soils but these vineyards will experience vine stress later in the season which can benefit to combat high vigour by refocusing the vines energy on fruit production. This inturn lowers production costs and increases the amount of sunlight on the fruit through ripening and can create even ripening. It will also reduce disease pressure in the later part of ripening as young growth is often more susceptible.

Perth Hills

Located at the entrance to the city of Perth in Western Australia most of the vineyards are located on the western slopes of the Darling Scarp. The region first became recognised in 1999 but the first modern estates where planted in the 1970’s. The viticultural history dates back to 1880 when vines were planted at Darlington and today it is the boutique growers that drive the district. They often develop the properties into destination tourism sites by building restaurants and various entertainment and accommodation facilities alongside their cellar doors.

Site selection is important as the growers that face the west towards the coast receive the maritime influence of cooling winds and with altitudes between 150 metres and 400 metres this region is cooler than its closest neighbour the Swan Valley. Average rainfall is between 900mm and 1200mm but the bulk of this falls outside the season with only 220mm to 250mm falling within the season. Drip irrigation is essential to create consistent growing conditions as the offshore winds will dry the leaves of the vine quickly meaning that water intake is required to offset this. Mean January temperature is 23.3 degrees which is high and is no doubt high because of the warmer nights that assist to make this a versatile district. But average humidity is also high at 61% making site selection to maximise the benefits of the maritime influence and hence lowering labour input. This influence does decrease the further inland the vineyard and the deep valleys that curve away from the coast prevent the winds reaching to the inner parts of the district making the inland areas warmer growing.

The soils are;

-          Ironstone and gravel sandy loam

-          Gravelly loams

-          Underlying clay

Today there are 35 growers and cellar doors and the region has achieved multiple awards as it strives to forge its identity. Being on the out skirts of the city of Perth the district has the benefit of being within 30 minutes of CBD and no-doubt assist the region to drive sales and tourism.

The core varieties grown are;

-          Chardonnay, Viogner

-          Cabernet, Merlot, Shiraz

The core sub-regions/ valleys are;

Heart of the hills

Serpentine Valley

Bickley Valley

Chittering Valley

Swan District

The Swan District is essentially all about the Swan Valley and is situated a mere 16km north from the central CBD of Perth. The region was settled in 1829 when the first vines were planted at Olive Farm by Thomas Waters. There are 14 suburbs of the district and around 10 wineries servicing approximately 1,100Ha of vines. The region sits between Guildford and Bells rapids along the Swan River and is bordered inland by the Darling Range.

The climate is influenced by the Indian Ocean which provides for the winds of the `freemantle Doctor’. Without the cooling effect of the near constant winds the region would be hotter than it already is. The winds come in the form of south-westerly breezes and offset the high number total sunshine hours to slow ripening thus increasing fruit quality. Mean January temperature is a high of 24.15 degrees which has enabled the region to build a strong heritage ion fortified production. Relative humidity is moderately low at 44% and has meant that fruit quality can be relied on and the region is home to many corporate investors for this reason. Average seasonal rainfall is a low of 145mm and for this reason irrigation is essential and being a coastal location average altitude is a low of 45 metres above sea level.

The core varieties grown are;

-          Verdelho, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Semillon

-          Cabernet, Shiraz, Malbec, Merlot

-         + Fortified varietal selections

The soils are a rich alluvial and are;

-          Young alluvial, deep with strong water holding capacity

-          Coastal, well drained sand over limestone

-          Lower darling slopes, gravelly sand to gravelly sandy loam over brown clay.

-          Inland, well drained gravelly loam

-          Swan River, deep rich red loam

-          Herne Hill Flats, grey sand over clay

Jack Mann rose to fame in the 1930’s when he took over as chief winemaker from his father and created the famous white burgundy wine. Today he is considered one of the fathers of the industry.  Chenin Blanc is the most widely planted variety but Verdelho has never been far behind and makeup the bulk of the blend of the famous white burgundy.