The Limestone Coast GI (Geographical Indication) in SouthAustralia is located in the southeast corner of the state, bordering Victoria in the east. It is one of the most significant region of the country, producing nearly one-third of South Australia's quality wines – some of which are the most highly acclaimed in Australia.
The zone is regarded as geologically unique and the feature responsible for producing such high-quality wines is its soil. As the name suggests, limestone forms the basis of the soil here, best represented by the famous 'terra rossa' of Coonawarra.
The limestone soils are well-draining and Rich in nutrients, with a healthy water table beneath the sub-soil – unlike many other South Australian wine-producing areas. This means that most irrigation needs are taken care of, which is vital in the Dry ripening season.
Limestone Coast's Climate is cool maritime, with the northeast inner area exposed to some more continental effects. Altitude does not have a major impact on the local climate as the Grape-growing areas lie no more than 150 meters (492 ft) above sea level.
The lowest vineyards, near Cape Jaffa, are at an elevation of 10 meters (33 ft). The vines are cooled by sea breezes during summer, resulting in cool to mild growing conditions with a slow and Long ripening process. This extended hang time assists in the development of intensity in the grapes' fruit flavors.
A wide range of grape varieties of both colors perform exceedingly well in the Limestone Coast, but its red wines are of particular importance.
Pinot noir is an important red grape variety in Burgundy and Champagne, and its reputation is well known! Great wines such as the Domaine de la Romanée Conti elaborate their wines from this famous grape variety, and make it a great variety. When properly vinified, pinot noit produces red wines of great finesse, with a wide range of aromas depending on its advancement (fruit, undergrowth, leather). it is also the only red grape variety authorized in Alsace. Pinot Noir is not easily cultivated beyond our borders, although it has enjoyed some success in Oregon, the United States, Australia and New Zealand.
red wines from the region of Limestone Coast go well with generally quite well with dishes of beef, lamb or game (deer, venison) such as recipes of lamb skewers, gypsy sauce or confit sausages.
On the nose in the region of Limestone Coast often reveals types of flavors of cream, mulberry or rosemary and sometimes also flavors of dried herbs, sage or graphite. In the mouth in the region of Limestone Coast is a powerful with a nice balance between acidity and tannins.
Imagine you went to a restaurant and ordered what you thought was a modest Burgundy, but it tasted like a great Bordeaux. Would you be disappointed? Even if what I received was technically a better wine, I think I would be. After all, quality isn’t the overriding criteria when I select a bottle of wine to drink; most of all, I’m thirsting for a specific style. That’s why I’m sometimes wary when hearing about a change of direction in an appellation. Am I still going to find the wine I’m looking f ...
Château La Tour Carnet said it will expose an experimental vineyard to artificially higher temperatures to replicate some of the conditions the Bordeaux 2050 vintage may face due to climate change. It’s part of the ‘Oracle’ project at the fourth growth estate, which is among those in Bordeaux seeking to understand how well classic grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot can adapt to climate change. At La Tour Carnet, warming cables more commonly used in aeroplanes will be employed thi ...
Tongue firmly in cheek, I sometimes define ‘wine consultant’ as ‘someone lacking employment who will work for whoever pays them’. Although meant in jest, the implied question is valid: just what does a wine consultant do? More importantly, in this age, when every assistant in a retail shop styles him- or herself a sales consultant, who would hire one? The short answer is this: a wine consultant is someone who advises wine lovers about their passion. He or she advises buyers on what to buy (and a ...
