Key Varieties
McLaren Vale might be best known for the trilogy of reds but producers are embracing 'alternative varieties' more suited to the region's Mediterranean climate.
Top 5 Varieties in the region
| #1 Shiraz | 56.82% | 4,207 ha |
| #2 Cabernet Sauvignon | 18.25% | 1,351 ha |
| #3 Grenache | 6.38% | 472 ha |
| #4 Chardonnay | 3.66% | 271 ha |
| #5 Merlot | 2.50% | 185 ha |
Shiraz
The crown jewel of McLaren Vale is Shiraz - producing a densely coloured, richly flavoured wine that quickly develops a velvety texture. McLaren Vale Shiraz is known the world over for its quality and its seductive style.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon wines from McLaren Vale are full bodied and rich, often with a touch of dark chocolate intermixed with blackcurrant. The tannins are plentiful but soft, and the wines have structure for aging.
Grenache
Grenache has enjoyed a spirited renaissance during the last decade. The older plantings produce incredibly richly flavoured wines with juiciness. One would be hard pressed to find a variety more ideally suited to McLaren Vale and many old-vine vineyards still exist and are revered.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay established a dominance in white grape plantings with virtually every producer having a Chardonnay however in more recent years winemakers have shifted their focus to Spanish and Italian varieties better suited to the maritime climate.
Merlot
Merlot is a prominent grape variety for wine-making and it the third largest grape variety grown in Australia for wines. Traditionally, McLaren Vale is one of the main regions where this variety is grown. It’s typically less powerful than bold reds such as Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon and has flavours of berries and plum
Mediterranean varieties
The diversity of so called ‘Mediterranean varieties’ continues to
grow with considerable excitement around varieties such as Vermentino,
Barbera, Montepulciano, Fiano, Nero d’Avola, Tempranillo and Zinfandel.
McLaren Vale inherently produces wines of ample concentration and flavour; however greater restraint and terroir translucency are good terms to describe the current winemaking trend.