The Fleurieu enjoys an idyllic Mediterranean-style climate and because it is bounded on both sides by the coast this region enjoys wonderful sea breezes. Half of the area's rainfall occurs during the four winter months April - July but the temperatures remain mild during this time, rarely lower than 15 degrees celsius.
Summer temperatures can occasionally reach 40 + degrees celsius but the hot season is tempered by magnificent cool mornings and balmy evenings .
With such a reliably temperate climate, the beach, swimming and virtually all of the outdoor pursuits are available year round.
Thursday 12 July 2007
Wine Making
The main winemaking asset of the region is the excellent quality fruit produced by the region's grape-growers. It is this great fruit that allows the skilled winemakers of the region to produce such outstanding wines.
The vineyards and the grape-growers are the most important factors in ensuring superior quality fruit. With its favourable climate and geographical factors, McLaren Vale is recognised as one of the safest places in the world to grow grapes. The grape-growers of the region are experienced and committed to working with the winemakers to produce the best fruit, and thus the best wine, possible.
While there are many small wineries, the large producers are also represented. Both the large and small wineries utilise technology to ensure quality and maintain the distinctive characters that the various micro-climates within the region brings to the wine.
The careful control of water and increasing the use of in-ground moisture monitoring ensure that grapes are fully ripened and provide the winemakers with fruit of great flavour. The introduction of drip irrigation has enabled the restoration of old Shiraz vines. These old vines are now producing the truly great Shiraz that is taking out the top wine awards around the world.
On the winemaking side there has been considerable investment in new oak barrels and improved temperature control equipment.
This has had a strong impact on the quality of the white wines of the region as well as adding tremendous character to the reds.
The vineyards and the grape-growers are the most important factors in ensuring superior quality fruit. With its favourable climate and geographical factors, McLaren Vale is recognised as one of the safest places in the world to grow grapes. The grape-growers of the region are experienced and committed to working with the winemakers to produce the best fruit, and thus the best wine, possible.
While there are many small wineries, the large producers are also represented. Both the large and small wineries utilise technology to ensure quality and maintain the distinctive characters that the various micro-climates within the region brings to the wine.
The careful control of water and increasing the use of in-ground moisture monitoring ensure that grapes are fully ripened and provide the winemakers with fruit of great flavour. The introduction of drip irrigation has enabled the restoration of old Shiraz vines. These old vines are now producing the truly great Shiraz that is taking out the top wine awards around the world.
On the winemaking side there has been considerable investment in new oak barrels and improved temperature control equipment.
This has had a strong impact on the quality of the white wines of the region as well as adding tremendous character to the reds.
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