Wine-growing region (GI) in the Australian state of South Australia, named after the preacher and immigration manager David McLaren (1785-1850). It is part of the Fleurieu wine-growing zone, a sub-area is called Clarendon. The area is located directly on the Gulf St. Vincent, an approximately 145 km long and 75 km wide inlet of the Indian Ocean. The Gulf is bordered to the south-east by the Fleurieu Peninsula and to the west by the Yorke Peninsula. Adelaide, the state capital, lies on the eastern shore of the Gulf. John Reynell (1809-1873) was the first person to plant vines here in 1838. The viticultural pioneer Thomas Hardy (1830-1912) learnt his trade from him, founded his own winery in 1853, which still exists today, and rose to become Australia's largest wine producer by the end of the 19th century.
The vineyards cover around 2,700 hectares and stretch from south of Adelaide to south of Morphett Vale. The soils consist of sand, loam, limestone, red clay and alluvial soils. There is sufficient rainfall' so that, unlike many other Australian wine-growing areas, no artificial irrigation is required. The nearby ocean has a positive moderating influence on the climate, which is cooled by sea breezes with long warm days and cool nights.
The red wine varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache Noir (Garnacha Tinta), Merlot, Shiraz, Sangiovese and Tempranillo are cultivated, as well as the white wine varieties Chardonnay, Sémillon, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewurztraminer. McLaren Vale is primarily known for its strong red wines made from Shiraz. Well-known producers include Accolade Wines, d'Arenberg, Chapel Hill, Reynella, Clarendon Hills, Coriole, Dennis, Fox Creek, Garett, Hamilton, Hardy's, Haselgrove, Ingoldby, Merrill, Mitolo, Noon, Norman's, Pirramimma, Reynella, Rosemount Estate, Tatachilla, Seaview, Wirra Wirra, Wolf Blass and Woodstock.
Picture: McLaren Vale Grape Wine & Tourism Association
