Adelaide Hills
Adelaide Hills
One of the largest wine regions in South Australia, and oldest in Australia, the cool-climate Adelaide Hills region stretches from McLaren Vale in the south to the Eden and Barossa Valleys in the north, brushing the eastern suburbs of the city of Adelaide on its way past. The vineyards reach altitudes of 500 metres above sea level and the slopes exposure to sunlight in the valleys and dips of the hills makes for many varied mesoclimates in the region. Site selection for the region's growers is critical, as spring frosts and cold nights can cause problems for the grapes. Wines gain good concentration from a long, slow ripening season, and the region's white wines are characterised by natural acidity and good purity of fruit. Sauvignon Blanc has found success here, alongside Riesling, Semillon, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. When planted in the right areas, the warmest years produce excellent varietal Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines.