Wine Regions of Western Australia

6 November 2011

The total area under vine in the combined nine established wine regions of West Australia is now over 10,460 ha or just over 26,150 acres. The total grape crush for the 2004 vintage was 96,000 tons.
Great Southern Area under vines 2,310 ha (5,775 acres). As the largest of the eight regions, the Great Southern produces outstanding varietal styles from Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with some excellent Pinot Noir from specific sites. Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc are the three main white varieties produced. Riesling from the Great Southern regions and particularly from Frankland River, Mount Barker and Porongurup sub regions produces outstanding examples of this delicate variety. Chardonnay is successful throughout the Great Southern regions and some excellent wines are consistently produced.
Manjimup Area under vines: 630 ha (1575 acres). The rainfall in this region is quite high and it is the centre of some of the most magnificent forest country in the world. Manjimup has long been thought of as climatically suitable for wine grape production and perhaps comparable with Mount Barker and Frankland areas in the Great Southern region. It has similar gravelly Marri* soils. Most of the potential vineyard sites and soils around Manjimup are in the drainage basins of the Warren and Donnelly Rivers, at lower altitudes than the town. They are therefore warmer and have better temperature variability characteristics. Manjimup should be thought of as an intermediate between Mount Barker in the Great Southern region and Margaret River, though still perhaps closer to Mount Barker in temperature and potential wine qualities. * A native tree
Pemberton Area under vines: 860 ha (2150 acres) An exciting area which has emerged over the past decade, situated between the Great Southern and Margaret River regions. Whilst the climate in Pemberton is cooler there is moderately fertile soil structure and more humidity than the experienced in the immediate region of Northern Manjimup. The transition from Marri* to predominately Karri** soils that takes place about halfway between the towns of Manjimup and Pemberton signals a fairly major environmental change. The Karri loams in their pure state are formed from gneissic country rock, and could (reasonably) be expected to promote vine vigour. However gravelly soils, similar to those in the Manjimup region, remain on many of the higher slopes. As well as differing dominant soil types, there is a slight southward gradient to lower temperatures (despite Pemberton’s lower altitude) together with falling sunshine hours and more rainfall (except in January and February). The determination of separate regions for Manjimup and Pemberton was gazetted by the geographical indication committee are the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation in early 2006. * A native tree ** A majestic tall native tree
Margaret River Area under vines 4250 ha (10,625 acres). Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Margaret River have established a fine international reputation with Merlot and Shiraz also producing outstanding styles. Benchmark whites established from the region have resulted in some excellent full-bodied styles from the Chardonnay variety, which remain an important feature of the white wine production in this region. Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and smaller plantings of Chenin Blanc have also been responsible for very successful dry styles of significant regional character. Although plantings are small, other white varieties in production also include Marsanne, Rousanne, Viognier and some fine Riesling.
Blackwood Valley Area under vines 600 ha (1,500 acres). The principal red varieties being produced in the Blackwood Valley region are Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz whilst smaller experimental plantings of other red varietals are being evaluated. Some excellent wines have already emerged from Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc and it would seem that the region will continue to expand its plantings of these varieties.
Geographe Area under vines 710 ha (1,775 acres). The predominant red varieties being produced from this region include Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with white varieties of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. Recent small plantings of Tempranillo have also produced some outstanding wines. This region promises exciting development in the coming 5 years as earlier plantings consolidate amongst some of the older vineyards.
Peel Area under vines 140 ha (350 acres). Due to the close proximity of this region to Perth, future development seems likely to focus on the eastern parts of this region to take advantage of some excellent elevated sites of gravely loam on the Darling Escarpment. The main red varieties in production are Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon which have proven ideal for this region with the white varieties of Chardonnay, Semillon and Chenin Blanc also well suited to this area.
Perth Hills Area under vines 110 ha (275 acres). Whilst covering a large area the Perth Hills region includes a sizable amount of state forest and other non-arable land. The region runs north/south for a distance of approximately 110 km, in a band of about 25km wide. Due to the topography and limited areas for planting throughout this region most of the established producers would be considered as boutique. Many of these specialise with small plantings of varietals for niche markets. The major red variety produced is Cabernet Sauvignon with some Shiraz. The principal white varieties planted include Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc.
Swan District Area under vines 850 ha (2,187 acres). Centred on the Swan Valley this is West Australia’s oldest wine producing region. The rich alluvial soils of the Swan Valley contribute to outstanding production of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon whilst white varieties from Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Verdelho are also highly regarded. This area is also recognised internationally for its diverse range of fortified wines which include some magnificent liqueur Muscats, Tokays and Port styles. Adding further to this diversity are some impressive wine produced in methode champenoise styles using locally grown fruit.
Travelling In West Australian Wine Country To gain an appreciation of the distances encompassed by these 9 wine regions, the lower end of the Great Southern region is approximately 400km south of Perth at Albany and that is the furthest distance from Perth. The Perth Hills and Swan District extends 60km north of Perth so that it is possible to visit all the regions in the space of 5-7 days. However, to enjoy the journey, visitors should allow at least another 2-3 days, it will be worth the extra time.