I was fortunate to be asked to visit McLaren Vale to a ‘Meet the Maker’ event as part of an educational event. As a group we were asked that question. “Does McLaren Vale Shiraz have a style”.
I used to think of McLaren Vale as an amorphous wine growing area by the sea south of Adelaide where just about any grape variety could be grown, maybe with the exception of pinot noir.
In fact the wine makers of McLaren Vale have divided the region into 5 subregions with differing climate, soil types and native vegetation.
The following description was supplied by the McLaren Vale Grape, Wine and Tourism Association.
Blewitt Springs / Clarendon Named after the townships of Blewitt Springs and Clarendon. This sub-region is the furthest from the sea and has the highest altitude, most rain and coolest winters. Blewitt Springs is characterized by deep sandy soils.
Seaview The steep hills of North Eastern McLaren Vale are referred to as Seaview. The soils in this region are highly variable from red earth clay on limestone and sand on marly limestone to grey loam on clay. The common factor is the thin layer of topsoil, resulting frequently in low yields and low vigour. Hill tops in the Seaview sub-region experience warm nights and cool afternoon sea breezes while valleys experience cold air drainage off the range as it flows towards the sea at night.
Willunga South from the township of McLaren Vale, the hills flatten to a gentle slope heading toward the sea. This area is known as the Willunga Flats. The soils in this area are Gilgai or grey clay over limestone with pockets of red earth on limestone. The cold air drains across the flats to the sea.
McLaren Flat As the name suggests, McLaren Flat is the sprawling flat land to the east of the town of McLaren Vale. The area has more clay above the subsoil than McLaren Vale, however there are some patches of sand similar to that found in Blewitt Springs. During the summer months, the ‘gully wind’ flows down from the high hills further to the east, helping to cool the fruit.
McLaren Vale The township of McLaren Vale is the traditional home of grape growing and winemaking in the district. Many of the vineyards of the early pioneers were situated where the town itself now stands. Several historic wineries are located in the main street itself including Tatachilla and Thomas Hardy’s Tintara. Many of the roads in the town are named after the original winemaking families.
The town is nestled between two rows of low hills consisting of ironstone and chalky rock with a thin covering of clay loam. The soil is rich in calcium and is slightly alkaline where the soil meets the parent rock.
Sellicks Foothills Sellicks is the farthest point south of the region directly overlooking the ocean beaches. The foothills extend the length of the base of the Southern Mount Lofty Ranges. The strip of soil here, mostly red loam has been eroded from the ranges. The shallow root zone, conducive to small grape crops, becomes progressively thin in vineyards planted on the hills. Strong evening gully breezes during summer characterise the area.
Well to answer the original question I would definitely say “yes”. The similarities are very pronounced in the top tier Shiraz from this group of makers despite their Shiraz coming from many of the different subregions. The Oak Barrel has a great selection of current vintage and back vintage McLaren Vale Shiraz
Tasting the 2006 Shiraz in a line up of ten different wines, all had a silky, velvety smoothness in the mid palate which gives a high degree of drinking pleasure. I think this is a combination of plush fruit, fine tanins and very correct balancing acidity.
The McLaren Vale wines do develop a higher acidity than Barossa due to the moderating effect of the sea that helps maintain a cooler ripening period for the grapes. For the best value Shiraz of this area see our selection of Hewitson “L’Oizeau” and “Mad Hatter” Shiraz.
The Shiraz is not overblown fruit bombs as is seen in shiraz from other warmer areas. They are fruit driven but with a leaner elegance.
