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.
Cabernet Franc is one of the oldest red grape varieties in Bordeaux. The Libourne region is its terroir where it develops best. The terroirs of Saint-Emilion and Fronsac allow it to mature and develop its best range of aromas. It is also the majority in many blends. The very famous Château Cheval Blanc, for example, uses 60% Cabernet Franc. The wines produced with Cabernet Franc are medium in colour with fine tannins and subtle aromas of small red fruits and spices. When blended with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, it brings complexity and a bouquet of aromas to the wine. It produces fruity wines that can be drunk quite quickly, but whose great vintages can be kept for a long time. It is an earlier grape variety than Cabernet Sauvignon, which means that it is planted as far north as the Loire Valley. In Anjou, it is also used to make sweet rosé wines. Cabernet Franc is now used in some twenty countries in Europe and throughout the world.
red wines from the region of Limestone Coast go well with generally quite well with dishes of beef, lamb or poultry such as recipes of beef mironton, lamb delight with tomato and cinnamon or turkey blanquette with mushrooms.
On the nose in the region of Limestone Coast often reveals types of flavors of oaky, cinnamon or dried herbs and sometimes also flavors of vanilla, raspberry or vegetal. In the mouth in the region of Limestone Coast is a powerful with a nice balance between acidity and tannins.
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