Wine Producing Regions - Riverland

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• Overview
• Adelaide Hills
• Adelaide Plains
• Barossa Valley
• Clare Valley
• Coonawarra
• Currency Creek
• Eden Valley
• Kangaroo Island
• Langhome Creek
• McLaren Vale
• Mount Benson
• Padthaway
• Riverland
• Southern Fleurieu
• Southern Flinders
• Wrattonbully

Riverland, South Australia

Lower Murray Zone, South Australia

The Riverland has long been recognised as the 'engine room' driving the Australian wine industry. The region produces nearly 60 percent of South Australia's grapes, which translates to nearly 30 percent of Australia's grape production. Until recently the area was known mostly for the quantity of wine produced, but the emphasis has changed with an increasingly concentrated focus being directed on quality.

The climate is hot with high evaporation rates and low rainfall, making irrigation essential. The climate is also continental, resulting in long sunny days and noticeably cooler nights. Modern viticultural and winemaking techniques mean that the climate can be seen as one of the region's strengths. Long sunshine hours ensure fruit ripens fully and low relative humidity results in little incidence of disease.

Soils are red-brown sandy loam often overlying a limestone substrate. Fertility rates are moderate. The addition of adequate supplies of irrigation water from the Murray River turns the region's combination of soil and a sunny, reliable climate into an environment ideal for the growing of wine grapes. The secret to quality resides in restricting fertility and moisture to achieve the necessary balance.

Wine Notes

Chardonnay

The Chardonnay is characterised by a rich gold colour and the full ripe fruit flavours of peach and melon. Careful use of oak adds an extra dimension to the wine without detracting from the fruit flavours. The current trend towards unwooded Chardonnay is also well suited to the ripe flavours of the Murray Valley.

Mourvedre and Grenache

While there are many young vineyards in the Riverland, there are also significant areas with wines over 80 years old. Many of these consist of Grenache and Mourvedre that were, until recently, seen as workhorse varieties for use in bulk reds and fortified wines. Frequently in combination with Shiraz, fruit from these old vines is now being used to produce medium bodied spicy red wines that exemplify the sunny, fruit-driven Australian style.

Shiraz

The key to the success of this variety in the Riverland is in restricting the yield to achieve the necessary ripeness and balance. As a result of increasing interest in Australian Shiraz on the world market, growers and winemakers have been encouraged to focus attention on this variety. At its best, Riverland Shiraz is warm and generous with soft and rounded flavours and a gentle tannin finish. They are not necessarily made for long-term cellaring but to be enjoyed while fresh and lively.

Other Varieties

Varieties such as Colombard, Chenin Blanc and Verdelho are increasingly being used to lift the quality of white wines in the region. Red varieties that show considerable potential include Merlot and Ruby Cabernet.