Overview

Langhorne Creek has a history of viticulture dating back to 1860 and is known for its flat, river delta landscape.  The region ideally suits large-scale, relatively low-cost vineyard developments where a high degree of mechanisation is common.

The Big Picture

Langhorne Creek Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon are valued contributors to many red blends and a number of Australia’s larger winemakers are represented in the region. Areas under vine tend to be large, with several holdings in excess of 300 hectares (740 acres). Such multi-million dollar investments emphasise that this is a remarkably good area for soft, fruity, medium-bodied red wines.

There are an increasing number of smaller wineries now based in the region, changing preconceived perceptions by producing regional red wines that retain an element of softness while adding richness and a remarkable concentration of colour and flavour.

Langhorne Creek Wine Region

Climate

The growing season climate is predominantly shaped by the onshore southerly winds blowing directly from the Southern Ocean across Lake Alexandrina. While intermittently broken by periods of very hot weather associated with northerly winds emanating from central Australia, the prevailing southerlies normally reduce daytime temperature fluctuations. These southerlies also decrease sunshine hours and overall summer temperatures, while increasing the relative humidity. The winter-spring rainfall pattern persists. Irrigation is universally practised, in part by the unique method of diverting the Bremer River and deliberately flooding the land in late winter. Newer vineyards also use conventional drip irrigation.

Soil

Langhorne Creek’s fertile soils are predominantly deep, alluvial sandy loams that vary in colour from red-brown to dark grey, with patches of black, self-mulching clays. All soil types promote vine vigour, generous canopies and cropping levels.

Wines

Cabernet Sauvignon and Blends: While less than a quarter of the wine currently made from grapes grown in Langhorne Creek is sold as a single-region wine, the style is relatively easy to define. Generally the wines are immediately accessible, soft and fragrant. Flavours are in the red berry spectrum, often with some gentle minty and chocolate overtones though seldom herbaceous or tannic. As in the Clare Valley, Malbec adds a particular dimension when added to the blend, providing an almost riotously juicy wine with more cassis evident.

Shiraz and Blends: Often released as a single varietal but also blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Malbec, Shiraz produces strikingly fruity wines with flavours and aromas of cherry and mint. Its hallmark regional softness finishes with that hint of spice still remaining.

Verdelho: Although produced in relatively small quantities, the variety is a regional specialty, particularly as a fortified wine in the style of Madeira. Verdelho is increasingly handled as a soft, early-maturing table wine.

Vital Statistics

A Case In Point: Rob Dundon, Step Road, Langhorne Creek, South Australia

"I selected Langhorne Creek as the wine region for expanding the company’s vineyard plantings and building a new winery. It is a unique region, situated on an ancient flood plain created by the Bremer and Angas Rivers. The nearby Lake Alexandrina opens into the Southern Ocean, which expands all the way to Antarctica.

"This provides a wonderful temperate climate, ideal for ripening and producing red wines rich in body and velvety texture, and white wines of elegance and style. Every day, cooling breezes well up from the Southern Ocean, and drop the temperatures markedly. The result is very mild nights and long ripening periods, aiding the development of those exceptional flavours for which the region has a strong following and respect. This is particularly reflected in our Step Road Shiraz, grown on centuries old alluvial clay soils.

"The dry climate also allows us to achieve our goal of minimal intervention in the vineyard. Sprays are sparingly used and water preservation is paramount. This carries over to the absolute state-of-the-art Step Road Winery on the site. Here all waste water is collected, treated and returned to the vineyard. Similarly, all solid matter such as skins and stalks are mulched and spread on the vineyard. This has improved the soil structure and cut water usage by 25%, leading to even more flavoursome wines. Step Road has become ecologically sustainable and responsible."

Summary

Langhorne Creek has been a wine growing region since 1860 and in recent times has attrtacted a number of Australia’s larger winemakers.  Most rain falls during winter and spring, with established wineries using an irrigation system to divert the Bremer River and deliberately flood the land in late winter. The newer vineyards also use conventional drip irrigation. The main wine styles produced include Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, which are also commonly used as blends.

Acknowledgements

South Australian Wine Industry Association

Wineries, Cellar Doors & Vineyards

Angas Vineyards, Annvers Wines, Belvidere Winery, Ben Potts Wines, Beringer Blass- Metala, Bleasdale Vineyards, Bremerton Wines, Brothers In Arms, Casa Freschi, Cleggett Wines, FABAL Wines, Gipsie Jack Wine, Heartland Wines, Langhorne Creek Winery, Lake Breeze Wines, Oddfellows Wines, Raydon Estate, The Settlement Wine Co and Vineyards, Step Road Winery, Temple Bruer and Wenzel Family Wines.

If you would like to have your winery included in this list, please email awbc@awbc.com.au.