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Cabernet is king in Coonawarra

Coonawarra is located in the south eastern corner of South Australia – also known as the Limestone Coast. The GI region is 398 km2 in size and has a total of 5784 hectares of vineyards. Coonawarra experiences a maritime influence due to upwelling of cold ocean currents at certain times of the year. 

The main varieties grown in the region are Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, and Chardonnay. 

 

Coonawarra Regional Snapshot 2022-23

Regional Snapshots are one-page profiles updated annually of individual Australian wine regions. They provide at-a-glance summary statistics on: climatic characteristics, viticulture data, winegrape production, and winegrape price and export sales data for wine, compared against the same statistics for the whole of Australia.

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Coonawarra
Coonawarra
This map is not an accurate representation of the regional GI boundaries. Please click here to view an accurate map of the regional boundary.
5,784 ha
Total vineyard area
51-127m
Altitude
-37.466
Latitude (southernmost point)
260mm
Growing season rainfall
20.1C°c
Mean temperature (Jan)

Cabernet Sauvignon

Coonawarra is considered to be the pre-eminent producer of Cabernet Sauvignon in Australia creating medium to full-bodied wines with cassis, blackberry, plum and dark cherry flavours. Firm but plush tannins the very best versions can age gracefully for decades.

Merlot

Does not have a long tradition in Coonawarra but has been a very successful blending partner for Cabernet Sauvignon and makes interesting, elegant varietal wine.

Top varieties grown in Coonawarra
Climate
  • Coonawarra experiences a maritime influence due to upwelling of cold ocean currents at certain times of the year
  • Cold winters and cool summer night temperatures
  • Consistent cloud cover contributes to temperature reduction
Soil
  • A flat region famous for its terra rossa soils
  • Thin iron-oxide based top soil over limestone

This content is restricted to wine exporters and levy-payers. Some reports are available for purchase to non-levy payers/exporters.

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This content is restricted to wine exporters and levy-payers. Some reports are available for purchase to non-levy payers/exporters.