WHAT MAKES THE WINES OF
McLAREN VALE SO SPECIAL?
McLaren Vale is one of the most geologically diverse regions in the world.
More than 40 unique geologies are present in our region and vary in age from 15,000 years to over 750 million years.
The Geology of the McLaren Vale Wine Region map was developed as a result of decades of diligent investigation by curious geological scholars and provides a key to the complex, constantly unfolding links between geology and modern wine flavours.
Ongoing study of our region’s geology provides a key to the complex, constantly unfolding links between geology and regional wine varietals and flavours, whilst the map continues to assists viticulturists in appropriate planting.
There is a wide variety of soil types, a reflection of the varied terrain; red brown sandy loams, grey brown loamy sands with yellow clay subsoils interspersed with lime, distinctly sandy soils and patches of red or black friable loams are all to be found.As the long-standing and intensive viticulture of our region attests, the soils and geography of McLaren Vale are well suited to grape growing
Blewitt Springs is the northern region of McLaren Vale and has some of the oldest vines, the percentage of rainfall tends to be higher and temperatures slightly cooler, the soil is usually sand over clay producing some of the best fruit in the area. McLaren Vale is at the forefront of best practice in terms of soil surveying and as such this diversity is well respected, with a dedicated group of our region’s growers, wine makers and geographers forming a committee to explore these differences in greater detail.
Geology pits have been excavated throughout the region to showcase this unique geology, and to further highlight the relationship between geology and the region’s fine wine.
You can find information on the sites here
