David Paxton is owner of Paxton Vineyards in McLaren Vale and one of Australia's best known viticulturists. David gives us a brief insight into the region and the grape varieties grown there.
McLaren Vale is 40km south of Adelaide in South Australia, located in the Fleurieu Peninsular. The wine region is surrounded on three sides by the Adelaide hills, the Onkaparinga River and the St Vincent's Gulf, a warm body of water extending 230km into the outback which gives McLaren Vale a maritime climate.
The speciality of the area is fruit driven red wines. Historically, and still today, the 3 main varieties are Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre, often known as GSM when blended together. They also grow Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay along with other white grapes. While Adelaide Hills is 300m up, the main part of the region is only 40-50m above sea level. All of the wineries produce straight Shiraz but in a different style to Barossa. Less heavy, fruit-driven and often with chocolate and mulberry characters.
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Maclaren Vale with David Paxton
