sign in sign up
<<
Home , Capertee River, Cowra, Cowra wine region, Fish River (Oberon), Mount Canobolas, Mudgee

Terroir 2010 A review of the unique features of the Orange region NSW -

Orange Region Vignerons Association Photo: Courtesy of Angullong

Euchareena ver Ilford Ri ll Be Kerrs Hill Creek End Molong Ca Turo pertee n Ri Ma ver Garra c Sofala qu Mullion a ri e Parkes Creek Ri ve Ophir r Cookamidgera Manildra Clergate March Borenore Lewis Ponds Cudal Nashdale ORANGE Cullen Toogong Lucknow Peel Bullen Mt Canobolas Portland

Cargo Spring BATHURST Wallerawang Cumbijowa Eugowra Vittoria Cadia Hill L a Millthorpe ch Yetholme lan R Panuara ive Perthville Lithgow r Blayney O’Connell Hartley Newbridge Carcoar Barry Hampton Lyndhurst Mandurama Co

r xs Projection: UTM MGA Zone 55. Scale 1:1,250,000. Rockley ve Ri Ri s Neville ll ver This map incorporates data which is © Commonwealth of be Australia (Geoscience Australia), 2008, and which is © p Woodstock am Oberon Crown Copyright NSW Land and Property Management C Authority, Bathurst, Australia, 2010. All rights reserved. Trunkey Produced by the Resource Information Unit, Industry & Edith Investment NSW, August 2010. Creek Figure 1. The Orange wine region in NSW. Source: NSW Department of Industry & Investment ORANGE WINE Region

Euchareena ver Ilford Ri The Orange wine region was accepted as a distinct Geographic Area (GI) by ll Be Kerrs Hill the & Brandy Corporation in 1997. The Orange wine region is Creek End Molong Ca Turo pertee n Ri River Ma ver defined as the contiguous (continuous) land above 600m elevation in the Shires Garra c Sofala qu Mullion a ri e Parkes Creek Ri of Cabonne, Blayney and Orange City. This Region is within ve Ophir r Cookamidgera Manildra Clergate the Zone and adjacent to the Cowra, and Bathurst wine March Borenore Lewis Ponds regions (Figure 1). Cudal Nashdale ORANGE Cullen Toogong Lucknow Peel Bullen Mt Canobolas Portland Wines of the Orange region have a unique style as a result of the local climate, Cargo Spring BATHURST Wallerawang Cumbijowa Eugowra Vittoria Cadia Hill soils and topography (). The modern Orange wine industry began to develop L a Millthorpe ch Yetholme lan in the early 1980s and now has over 1500ha of winegrapes being grown on some R Panuara ive Perthville Lithgow r Blayney O’Connell 80 . Over 40 wine labels are now available in the region. This region Canowindra Hartley Newbridge Fish River Gooloogong Belubula River is also a major producer of a range of regional foods within a spectacular rural Carcoar Barry Hampton Lyndhurst Mandurama Co landscape and is an exciting destination for wine and food tourism. r xs Projection: UTM MGA Zone 55. Scale 1:1,250,000. Rockley ve Ri Ri s Neville ll ver This map incorporates data which is © Commonwealth of be Australia (Geoscience Australia), 2008, and which is © p Woodstock am Oberon Crown Copyright NSW Land and Property Management C Authority, Bathurst, Australia, 2010. All rights reserved. Terroir is the French word used to define the features of a wine growing region Trunkey Produced by the Resource Information Unit, Industry & Edith Investment NSW, August 2010. Cowra Creek that includes its climate, geology, topography and soils which contribute to the individuality and renown of wines produced there. It also includes the historical and human effects on site expression of the and wines produced (Martin 2000). 1 The Orange region has a long history of grape growing since the town was gazetted in 1846. Early settlers established fruit orchards that often included table grapes. Black muscats were mainly grown by settlers of British or German descent (eg. West, Stanford, Hicks, Carthew, Dale, Schmich, Bohringer, Offner and Gersbach families) at a similar time to development of the Mudgee and Bathurst regions. Over 180ha of table grapes were cultivated by 1925-6 in mainly the Mt Canobolas, Nashdale and Borenore areas. Later a number of Italian families also came to the district to become orchardists and grape growers. Wines were made from these grapes for local sale and the D’Aquino family has continued such a business since the mid 1950s. Very little table grape production now occurs in the region due mostly to earlier varieties in drier, irrigated areas dominating the fresh market.

Winegrapes were planted at Molong in 1952 by the NSW Government Viticulturist Harry Manuel as an experimental vineyard. and Shiraz were planted under dryland conditions with success.

The modern Orange region wine industry was pioneered with early plantings in 1980-1 by the Fardells at Nashdale (Nashdale Vineyard) and the Bourkes at Millthorpe (Sons & Brothers). These vineyards were followed in 1983-5 by the Doyle (Bloodwood), Swanson (Cargo Road Wines) and Crawford (Forest Edge) families. Other early winegrape HISTORY growers included Canobolas-Smith, Highland Heritage, of the Orange Wine Region Ibis and Philip Shaw Wines.

2 Photos: Courtesy of Philip Stevenson Topography and geology

The Orange region is the highest wine region in Australia, extending from 600m to over 1000m elevation. This region is quite distinct from the to the east and it also rises some 500m above the surrounding tablelands (Map 1).

This elevated area is dominated by the extinct volcano Mount Canobolas which lifted and developed above the old sedimentary landforms of the Lachlan Fold Belt. The Mount Canobolas volcano was at the younger southern end of the volcanic boomerang that extended from to Oberon that includes the . At least three separate eruptions occurred 11-13 million years ago above the northwest tending Canobolas Divide (Figure 2). This Divide and now Mount Canobolas separate the northerly draining catchment from the southerly draining system.

The first eruption formed a large shield volcano which spread magma over the older sediments of the region that include limestone, shales, slate, older volcanics and greywacke. Fluid basalt lava later covered a large area from Borenore to Millthorpe at mostly the 850-1000m elevation. The last eruption produced slower moving trachyte lava which formed the steep sided domes at high elevation such as Young Man Canobolas, Old Man Canobolas and Towac Peak.

HISTORY

Figure 2. Development of Mount Canobolas 11-13 million years ago. 3 Source: Chan RA. (2003) Bathurst and Forbes 1:250000 Map Sheets, NSW MAP 1 -E ELEVATIONlevatio ofn theof Orange the O winera nRegionge Wine Region 148°50'E 149°0'E 149°10'E 149°20'E 149°30'E

Wellington S ' To , Mid-Western 0

° Council 3 100km Regional S ' 3 0 °

Council 3 Cabonne Kerrs 3 Shire Council Creek Hill End

Molong Belgravia Garra

S Mullion ' 0

1 Creek ° S ' 3 0 3 Manildra 1 °

Clergate 3

Ophir 3 To Parkes, 55km

March Lewis Borenore Cudal Orange Ponds Nashdale Bathurst To Eugowra, Regional 35km Lake S '

0 Council

2 Canobolas ° S ' 3 0 3 Lucknow Byng 2 ° 3

Mt Canobolas 3 1396 m Shadforth Eglinton

Cargo Spring Bathurst Hill Cadia Forest Millthorpe To , Reefs 200km S '

0 Canomodine

3 Panuara Perthville ° S ' 3 0

3 Georges 3 °

Plains 3 3 To Canowindra, Blayney 10km Wimbledon Blayney Shire Council Newbridge

Carcoar S ' Cowra Barry 0 Mandurama 4 ° Lyndhurst S '

3 Shire 0 3 4 °

Council 3 3

Neville Hobbys Rockley Yards

Woodstock

Oberon To Crookwell, Council 80km

S To Cowra, Trunkey ' 0

5 5km

° Creek 3 3 148°50'E 149°0'E 149°10'E 149°20'E 149°30'E

Localities Roads Orange Wine Region 800 - 899 Cities Primary Road Local Gov't Areas 900 - 999 Towns Arterial Road Elevation (m) 1000 - 1099 Townships Sub Arterial Road 600 - 699 1100 - 1199 Localities 700 - 799 ≥ 1200

This map incorporates data which is © Commonwealth of Australia (Geoscience Australia), 2008, and the Bureau of Meteorology (derived using ANUCLIM software of the Fenner School of Environment and Society, ANU). The map incorporates other data which is © Crown Copyright NSW Land and Property Management 0 5 10 15 20 Authority, Bathurst, Australia and Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water. All rights reserved. Kilometres Projection: UTM MGA Zone 55 4 Produced by the Resource Information Unit, Industry & Investment NSW, July 2010. Topography and geology (CONTINUED)

Subsequent weathering of this volcanic area has produced a steep to undulating landscape dissected by many headwater creeks and streams. The base geology is closely linked to elevation as are the soil types derived from such material. Sediments from older Lachlan Fold Belt rocks become visible below about 850m. Limestone rocks and caves () can be seen on the western side at lower elevation (600-700m) as a result of coral/shell deposits at ancient shore lines.

The high elevation of the region provides a cool climate and the sloping country provides an escape from cold air. Most vineyards are located on hillsides to avoid cold air channels and are relatively safe from the very low temperatures seen in valleys below.

Climate and weather

The Orange region has mild summers and cold winters. Weather conditions are typical of inland NSW but are significantly modified by the high elevation and proximity to Mount Canobolas. This region is well clear of easterly coastal cloud and rain that extends from the coast to the Great Dividing Range.

Sunshine The Orange region claims to have one of the sunniest cool climate wine regions in Australia with over 9hrs of bright sunshine per day during the growing season (Very Sunny) with 1872 sunshine hours for October to April. Cool sunshine is vital to develop high fruit colour and maintain grape flavour. The cold air drainage away from Mount Canobolas also minimises winter fogs to allow high levels of winter sun to offset the cold temperatures. High elevation sunshine has increased levels of ultra-violet light which can increase the levels of phenolics that build flavour, colour and mouth feel of wine.

5 Temperature Orange region temperatures change dramatically with elevation. Mean January temperature (MJT) is 19.15ºC at Millthorpe (960m) but increases to around 21.5ºC at Molong (600m) due to the 0.6ºC temperature increase per 100m fall in elevation (Figure 3). This temperature band is significantly cooler than adjacent wine regions Mudgee (454m) at 23.25ºC and Cowra (300m) at 24ºC.

The Orange region also has a continental climate where there is a wide range (15ºC) between mean summer and winter temperatures. Spring growth begins slowly as the mean temperature reaches 10ºC in mid September but increases rapidly up to mid summer. In a similar way autumns cool down quickly with little extra fruit ripening achieved after mid April.

The of grapes in the region extends from February at 600m elevation to March/April at higher elevations. The grape harvest is delayed by about one week for each 100m rise in elevation. Maximum daily temperatures in January range from 30ºC near 600m down to 26ºC at high elevation. Most grapes grown at mid elevations ripen with 25ºC daytime temperatures – an ideal temperature for premium production. Aromatic white varieties are generally grown above 800m whereas other varieties are grown at a range of elevations. Orange and adjacent region mean monthly temperatures ºC 30

25 Canowindra Cowra ARS 20 Mudgee Bathurst ARS 15 Molong Orange Agr Inst 10 Orange Airport Millthorpe 5

Mean monthly temperature °C Mean monthly temperature 0

Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Month

Figure 3. Mean monthly temperatures for the Orange and adjacent regions. 6 The grape growing season extends mostly from October to April. The accumulated Growing Degree Days (GDD) above 10ºC range from 1200 at 950m elevation to 1670 at 600m elevation. Officially the Orange region is mostly classified as a Mild region (1201-1500 GDD) as distinct from the Hot and Very Hot regions of Mudgee and Cowra respectively (Kirk 1986). Figure 4 shows the effect of elevation on the mean January temperature (MJT) and seasonal Growing Degree Days which impacts on ripening time and fruit flavour profiles.

Orange region - Elevation, MJT and GDD 22.5 1800 22 1700 21.5 1600 21 C 20.5 1500 MJT°C 20 1400 GDD MJT ° GDD (Days) 19.5 1300 19 1200 18.5 18 1100 17.5 1000 600 720 863 922 948 960 Elevation m Figure 4. Growing Degree Days and Mean January Temperatures in the Orange Region.

Rainfall The Orange region has generally uniform rainfall across the year ranging from 700-950mm (Figure 5). Reliable winter rain usually provides for excellent spring and summer vine growth. Despite moderate summer rainfall, vine growth slows prior to ripening in the drier months of autumn. The autumn break in mid March usually precedes a cold end to the season in late April.

7 Annual rainfall is closely linked to elevation and proximity to Mt Canobolas (Map 2). Most rain comes from the northwest which falls more heavily on the southeast side of the mountain. Cool conditions and uniform rainfall enables most elevated vineyards to crop well with no or minimal irrigation (0-0.5ML/ha). Vineyards at lower elevation will generally require 1-2ML/ha of irrigation in drier years.

Mean monthly rainfall in the Orange region

120

100

80 Molong Orange Agr Inst 60 Orange Airport Millthorpe 40

20 Mean monthly rainfall mm

0

Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Month

Figure 5. Mean monthly rainfall in the Orange region

Humidity The Orange region is rated as a Humid region with 60-70% Relative Humidity at 9am in January. This reduces the transpiration stress on vines and their water requirements. Higher elevation also reduces the water vapour content of the air at similar relative humidity levels which assists in reducing leaf and fruit moulds.

8 MAP 2 - RAINFALLRainfa ofll the of Orange the O winera nRegionge Wine Region 148°50'E 149°0'E 149°10'E 149°20'E 149°30'E

Wellington S ' To Dubbo, Mid-Western 0

° Council 3 100km Regional S ' 3 0 °

Council 3 Cabonne Kerrs 3 Shire Council Creek Hill End

Molong Belgravia Garra

S Mullion ' 0

1 Creek ° S ' 3 0 3 Manildra 1 °

Clergate 3

Ophir 3 To Parkes, 55km

March Lewis Borenore Cudal Orange Ponds Nashdale Bathurst To Eugowra, Regional 35km Lake S '

0 Council

2 Canobolas ° S ' 3 0 3 Lucknow Byng 2 ° 3

Mt Canobolas 3 1396 m Shadforth Eglinton

Cargo Spring Bathurst Hill Cadia Forest Millthorpe To Sydney, Reefs 200km S '

0 Canomodine

3 Panuara Perthville ° S ' 3 0

3 Georges 3 °

Plains 3 3 To Canowindra, Blayney 10km Wimbledon Blayney Shire Council Newbridge

Carcoar S ' Cowra Barry 0 Mandurama 4 ° Lyndhurst S '

3 Shire 0 3 4 °

Council 3 3

Neville Hobbys Rockley Yards

Woodstock

Oberon To Crookwell, Council 80km

S To Cowra, Trunkey ' 0

5 5km

° Creek 3 3 148°50'E 149°0'E 149°10'E 149°20'E 149°30'E

Localities Roads Orange Wine Region 750 - 799 Cities Primary Road Local Gov't Areas 800 - 849 Towns Arterial Road Annual Average Rainfall (mm) 850 - 899 Townships Sub Arterial Road 650 - 699 900 - 949 Localities 700 - 749 ≥ 950

This map incorporates data which is © Commonwealth of Australia (Geoscience Australia), 2008, and the Bureau of Meteorology (derived using ANUCLIM software of the Fenner School of Environment and Society, ANU). The map incorporates other data which is © Crown Copyright NSW Land and Property Management 0 5 10 15 20 Authority, Bathurst, Australia and Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water. All rights reserved. Kilometres Projection: UTM MGA Zone 55 Produced by the Resource Information Unit, Industry & Investment NSW, July 2010. 9 Climate comparisons

The climate of Orange is unique as a result of its high elevation at this latitude. The change in elevation and distance from Mt Canobolas causes rapid changes in temperature and rainfall patterns. Within Australia the Orange region is very similar to Beechworth in as both have a high elevation and continental climate (Figure 6). Orange has a similar temperature profile to Coonawarra in SA but higher growing season rainfall. Margaret River (WA) has a warmer, more maritime climate than Orange as it is close to the coast.

Orange region temperature and rainfall comparison with regions in Australia

100 25 C 90 Orange 900m 80 20 Orange 600m 70 Coonawarra Beechworth 60 15 Margaret River 50 Orange 900mT 40 10 Orange 600mT 30 Coonawarra T 20 5 Beechworth T Margaret River T Mean monthly rainfall mm 10 ° Temperature Mean monthly 0 0

0ct/April Nov/May Dec/June Jan/July Feb/Aug Mar/Sept Apr/Oct Growing Season Figure 6. Orange temperature and rainfall as compared to Coonawarra, Beechworth and Margaret River.

10 The cooler elevated areas (800m+) of the Orange region are quite similar to the Burgundy region of France between Dijon and Lyon () despite this region having nearly twice as many rain days as Orange with similar growing season rainfall (Figure 7). Burgundy is also more continental with cooler spring and autumn temperatures. , , and are the main varieties grown in Burgundy.

At slightly lower elevations (700-800m) Orange becomes more like the Bordeaux region of France with up to 20.5ºC mid-summer mean temperatures. Orange has more sunshine hours and fewer rain days than this classic French region. Cabernet sauvignon, , , and Semillon are the main varieties grown in Bordeaux.

At 600-700m elevation, Orange is drier and warmer and more like the lower Rhone Valley but not as hot as Montpellier. Shiraz, , and Mourvedre are important varieties grown in the lower Rhone Valley.

Orange region temperature and rainfall comparison with regions in France

120 25 C Orange 900m Orange 600m 100 20 Beaujolais 80 Bordeaux 15 60 Montpellier 10 Orange 900m T 40 Orange 600m T

Monthly rainfall mm 20 5 Beaujolais T Mean monthly Temperature ° Temperature Mean monthly 0 0 Bordeaux T

Montpellier T 0ct/April Nov/May Dec/June Jan/July Feb/Aug Mar/Sept Apr/Oct Growing Season

Figure 7. Growing season temperature and rainfall comparisons with regions in France.

11 Soils of the Orange Region

After climate, soil is a major factor affecting vine growth and fruit flavours. Soil depth, water holding capacity, drainage and fertility are closely linked to vine performance. As seen on Map 3 the main soils of the Orange region closely follow elevation and proximity to Mount Canobolas. Most soils of the Orange region have evolved from various volcanic materials produced from Mount Canobolas and/or older sediments. Soil age and types can vary greatly with elevation and topography. The key viticultural soil types on the soil map (Map 3) are shown in Figure 8 and described below: (Green) Shallow sandy soils derived from summit volcanics (trachyte). These soils are at elevations mostly too high for .

(Blue) Deep well drained clay loam red and brown Ferrosol soils (Krasnozems) derived from basalt that change from red brown on hill tops to more grey brown in less well drained areas. Wind blown fine silt has added a silty texture to hilltop sites (Cattle et al, 2009). These soils surround Mt Canobolas around 800-1000m elevation and provide the fertile soil for many orchards and vineyards.

(Red) Older medium depth red/brown silty clay loam Dermosols of uniform texture (Red Earths) derived from older volcanics (andesite) and sediments. Less well drained yellow/grey soils (Yellow Earths) occur in low lying areas. These soils tend to be more distant from Mount Canobolas and mostly occur between 700-900m elevation. They are less fertile than the Ferrosols and often require extra irrigation as they are more distant from higher rainfall near Mount Canobolas. These soils are excellent for viticulture as they provide for moderate vigour but usually at lower elevation and rainfall.

(Purple) Aged red/brown sandy clay loams over clay subsoils (Chromosols) that are derived from old sediments such as shale, limestone, andesite and slates. These soils tend to be shallower and only of moderate fertility and water holding ability. These soils are common from 600-800m in the region and are good for viticulture if irrigation is available.

(Pink) Red brown sandy loam Calcarosol soils (Earthy sands/Euchrozems) derived from limestone and volcanic sediments. These classic viticultural soils are restricted to the limestone belt at 600-700m elevation. 12 Soils of the Orange Region

20cm

40cm

60cm

80cm

100cm

a) Ferrosol b) Dermosol c) Chromosol

Figure 8. The main vineyard soils in the Orange region. Source: D. McKenzie, Orange. 13 Soil Types of the Orange Wine Region 148°50’E 149°0’E 149°10’E 149°20’E 149°30’E

Wellington To Dubbo, Mid-Western 100km Council Regional 33°0’S Council Cabonne Kerrs 33°0’S

7 Creek 9 8

0 Shire Council 0 0 Hill End 0 0 0 0 0 6 9 00

Molong 0 Belgravia Garra 0 8 6 0 0

6 0 7 0 0 Mullion 0 Creek 7

33°10’S 0 Manildra 0

6 Clergate 33°10’S 0 Ophir

To Parkes, 0 7 0 55km 0

0

0

0

0

6

8

March 8 0 0 Lewis Borenore Cudal Orange Ponds Nashdale Bathurst To Eugowra, Regional 0 35km Lake 9 0 0 0 0 9 Council 0 7 Canobolas

0

0 33°20’S Lucknow 8 Byng 0 0 Mt Canobolas 33°20’S 6 0 0 8

1396 m 9 0

0 1000 Shadforth Eglinton 900 Spring Cargo 7 Bathurst

0

0 Hill Cadia Forest Millthorpe To Sydney, 200km 7 Reefs 9

0 0 0 0 800 Canomodine Panuara Perthville Georges 33°30’S 0 0 6 Plains 33°30’S To Canowindra, Blayney 10km Wimbledon

9 Blayney 9 0 0 00 0 00 0 8

Shire 9 Council Newbridge

6 0 8 0 0 Carcoar 0

1

0 Cowra 0 Mandurama Barry 0 Shire Lyndhurst 33°40’S Council 700 33°40’S

1 Hobbys Neville 0 Rockley 0 0 Yards

Woodstock

Oberon To Crookwell, Council 80km To Cowra, Trunkey 5km Creek 33°50’S 148°50’E 149°0’E 149°10’E 149°20’E 149°30’E

Localities Roads Orange Wine Region Earthy Sands Red Podzolic Soils Terra Rossa Soils Cities Primary Road Local Gov’t Areas Krasnozems Shallow Soils Yellow Podzolic Soils To w ns Arterial Road Soil Types Non-Calcic Brown Soils Soloths Waterbodies Townships Sub Arterial Road Alluvial Soils Red Earths Siliceous Sands Localities Elevation (m) Brown Cracking Clays

This map incorporates data which is © Commonwealth of Australia (Geoscience Australia), 2008, and the Bureau of Meteorology (derived using ANUCLIM software of the Fenner School of Environment and Society, ANU). The map incorporates other data which is © Crown Copyright NSW Land and Property Management 0 5 10 15 20

Authority, Bathurst, Australia and Department of Environment, Climate Change and

Water. All rights reserved. Kilometres Projection: UTM MGA Zone 55 Produced by the Resource Information Unit, Industry & Investment NSW, July 2010. 14 15 Map 3 - Soil types ofSoil the Orange Types wine Region of the Orange Wine Region 148°50’E 149°0’E 149°10’E 149°20’E 149°30’E

Wellington To Dubbo, Mid-Western 100km Council Regional 33°0’S Council Cabonne Kerrs 33°0’S

7 Creek 9 8

0 Shire Council 0 0 Hill End 0 0 0 0 0 6 9 00

Molong 0 Belgravia Garra 0 8 6 0 0

6 0 7 0 0 Mullion 0 Creek 7

33°10’S 0 Manildra 0

6 Clergate 33°10’S 0 Ophir

To Parkes, 0 7 0 55km 0

0

0

0

0

6

8

March 8 0 0 Lewis Borenore Cudal Orange Ponds Nashdale Bathurst To Eugowra, Regional 0 35km Lake 9 0 0 0 0 9 Council 0 7 Canobolas

0

0 33°20’S Lucknow 8 Byng 0 0 Mt Canobolas 33°20’S 6 0 0 8

1396 m 9 0

0 1000 Shadforth Eglinton 900 Spring Cargo 7 Bathurst

0

0 Hill Cadia Forest Millthorpe To Sydney, 200km 7 Reefs 9

0 0 0 0 800 Canomodine Panuara Perthville Georges 33°30’S 0 0 6 Plains 33°30’S To Canowindra, Blayney 10km Wimbledon

9 Blayney 9 0 0 00 0 00 0 8

Shire 9 Council Newbridge

6 0 8 0 0 Carcoar 0

1

0 Cowra 0 Mandurama Barry 0 Shire Lyndhurst 33°40’S Council 700 33°40’S

1 Hobbys Neville 0 Rockley 0 0 Yards

Woodstock

Oberon To Crookwell, Council 80km To Cowra, Trunkey 5km Creek 33°50’S 148°50’E 149°0’E 149°10’E 149°20’E 149°30’E

Localities Roads Orange Wine Region Earthy Sands Red Podzolic Soils Terra Rossa Soils Cities Primary Road Local Gov’t Areas Krasnozems Shallow Soils Yellow Podzolic Soils To w ns Arterial Road Soil Types Non-Calcic Brown Soils Soloths Waterbodies Townships Sub Arterial Road Alluvial Soils Red Earths Siliceous Sands Localities Elevation (m) Brown Cracking Clays

This map incorporates data which is © Commonwealth of Australia (Geoscience Australia), 2008, and the Bureau of Meteorology (derived using ANUCLIM software of the Fenner School of Environment and Society, ANU). The map incorporates other data which is © Crown Copyright NSW Land and Property Management 0 5 10 15 20 Authority, Bathurst, Australia and Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water. All rights reserved. Kilometres Projection: UTM MGA Zone 55 Produced by the Resource Information Unit, Industry & Investment NSW, July 2010. Viticulture in the Orange region

The range of climate and soils in the Orange region enables a wide range of grape varieties to be grown to perfection. Vineyard site selection is an important step in matching climate and soil with grape varieties. Topography can also change variety performance with slope, aspect, wind and air drainage all having an effect. The following table summarises the main varieties grown in the Orange region and the fruit flavour profile achieved at different elevations.

Table 1. Winegrape varieties grown in the Orange region (2009) and their fruit flavour profiles at different elevations.

Area ha Elevation (Est) 600-750m 750-900m Above 900m White varieties Chardonnay 200 rockmelon, stone stone fruit, lemon, honeydew melon, fruit, citrus grapefruit passionfruit, grapefruit Sauvignon 100 passionfruit, passionfruit, nettle, citrus, nettle, blanc tropical, boxwood grassy, herbal capsicum, asparagus 40 lime, passionfruit, citrus, green apple, lime, floral, tropical peach fragrant Pinot gris 20 cooked pear, honey fresh pear, green apple honeysuckle, citrus 15 apricot, peach, musk citrus, apricot, peach

Red varieties Shiraz 400 cherry, red berries, plum, red berries, white pepper, warm spices, meaty liquorice, white pepper green herbal tones Cabernet 340 violets, red berry, cassis, blackberry, capsicum, clove, sauvignon blackberry, plum peppermint herbaceous, menthol

Merlot 200 red berry, dried herbs leafy, floral, mulberry, blackcurrant, fresh herbs Pinot noir 50 raspberry, plum cherry, violets, strawberry,

16 Variation in grape characteristics and wine making is producing a range of wine styles in the region. Blending of wines made from grapes grown at different elevations and soil types is increasing as we understand the interesting variability in the region. Other varieties grown in the region include Traminer, Semillon, , Pinot meuniere, Cabernet franc, , , , and .

Canopy management in the vineyard is an important practice in producing quality grapes in Orange. Most canopies are vertical and narrow to achieve high sun exposure with some shading from the afternoon heat. Hand pruning is used to achieve even shoot growth and fruit separation. Shoot thinning, bunch thinning, shoot trimming and leaf plucking are often used to achieve the optimum crop load and microclimate for well coloured fruit of high flavour.

The soils and climate of the Orange region minimise the need for much supplementary irrigation. Vineyards aim to be sustainable and a number are now certified organic. An active growers association- Orange Region Vignerons Association (ORVA) promotes sustainable quality wine grape production to provide the base for great wine.

Innovative winemakers are developing a range of wine styles from regional wine grapes. Straight , blends and intra-regional blends are being made to develop wine styles that define this region. Fruit driven, cool climate wine styles across a range of varieties are developing from the unique terroir of the region.

The Orange wine region is young but is developing a reputation for producing an interesting range of quality cool climate wines. We hope that this terroir story will help in the development of the wine region and enhance your interest as you explore the region. References:

Cattle, S., Malone, B. and McKenzie, D. (2009) The effect of dust on topsoil variation in the Orange wine region. Aust & NZ Grapegrower & Winemaker 550, 22-24.

Chan, R.A. (2003) Bathurst and Forbes 1:250000Map Sheets, New South Wales

Gladstones, J.(1992) Viticulture and Environment. Winetitles, .

Kirk, J.T. (1986) Application of a revised temperature summation system to Australian viticultural regions. Aust Grapegrower & Winemaker 268, 48-52.

Kovac, M., Murphy, B.W. and Lawrie, J.W. (1989) Soil Landscapes of the Bathurst 1:250000 Sheet. Soil Conservation Service of NSW, Sydney

Martin, D. (2000) The search for terroir – a question of management. Proceedings of the 5th International Symposium on Cool Climate Viticulture and , Melbourne, pp. 1-4.

McKenzie, N., Jacquier, D., Isbell, R. and Brown, K. (2004) Australian Soils and Landscapes. CSIRO Australia.

Robinson, J. (1986) Vines, Grapes & Wines. Mitchell Bleazley, UK.

Wilson, J.E. (1998) Terroir – The role of geology, climate and culture in the making of French wines. Mitchell Beazley UK.

Contributors: • Peter Hedberg, Hedberg Hill and Charles Sturt University, Orange NSW • Ian McGowen, NSW Department of Industry and Investment, Orange NSW

Acknowledgements: • Andrew Rawson, NSW Dept of Environment, Climate Change and Water • Chris Bourke, Sons & Brothers, Millthorpe NSW • David McKenzie, McKenzie Soil Management Pty Ltd, Orange NSW • Debbie Lauritz, Cumulus Wines, Cudal NSW • Philip Stevenson, Orange & District Historical Society, Orange NSW

Contacts: • ORVA – Orange Region Vignerons Association Box 1363, Orange, NSW 2800. www.winesoforange.com.au • Taste Orange www.tasteorange.com.au • Wines of Orange www.winesoforange.com.au • Orange Visitor Information Centre www.visitorange.com.au 1800 069 466 • Cabonne Country www.cabonnecountry.com • NSW Tourism www.visitnsw.com • Borenore Trail www.borenoretrail.com.au

ISBN No.: 978-0-646-54446-5 First Edition 2010 Designed by VAADA