M c LAREN VALE EDUCATOR GUIDE

AUSTRALIAN WINE DISCOVERED PREPARING FOR YOUR CLASS THE MATERIALS

VIDEOS As an educator, you have access to a suite of teaching resources and handouts, You will find complementary video including this educator guide: files for each program in the Wine Australia Assets Gallery. EDUCATOR GUIDE We recommend downloading these This guide gives you detailed topic videos to your computer before your information, as well as tips on how to best event. Look for the video icon for facilitate your class and tasting. It’s a guide recommended viewing times. only – you can tailor what you teach to Loop videos suit your audience and time allocation. These videos are designed to be To give you more flexibility, the following played in the background as you optional sections are flagged throughout welcome people into your class, this document: during a break, or during an event. There is no speaking, just background ADVANCED music. Music can be played aloud, NOTES or turned to mute. Loop videos should Optional teaching sections covering be played in ‘loop’ or ‘repeat’ mode, more complex material. which means they play continuously until you press stop. This is typically an easily-adjustable setting in your chosen media player. COMPLEMENTARY READING Feature videos These videos provide topical insights Optional stories that add from Australian winemakers, experts background and colour to the topic. and other. Feature videos should be played while your class is seated, with the sound turned on and clearly SUGGESTED audible. DISCUSSION POINTS To encourage interaction, we’ve included some optional discussion points you may like to raise with your class. Consider asking them to work in small groups to answer the question and then report back to the class. If you would like more movement in your classroom, ask them to write the group responses down on sticky notes (one idea per note) and attach them to a wall or whiteboard.

McLaren Vale / Educator guide PRESENTATION SLIDES TASTING LIST The presentation follows the content in A editable tasting list template is available your guide and is designed for your in the Wine Australia Assets Gallery. We attendees, using visuals and photography strongly recommend filling this in to give to convey key points. We recommend to your class, so they have a record of projecting it on a big screen so it’s clearly what wines they tasted and where it can visible to all attendees. be purchased. There is a separate version of the CERTIFICATE presentation available with space for A downloadable participation certificate is student notes. You may like to print a also available in the Wine Australia Assets copy of this for each participant prior Gallery. You can add your logo and fill in the to the event. relevant course details before presenting to An editable PowerPoint version of the attendees. presentation is available on request. This guide and other complementary materials were COMPLEMENTARY HANDOUTS produced by Wine Australia in 2018. Information and statistics were correct at time of publication, but more You will find downloadable handouts in the up-to-date information may be available. Wine Australia Assets Gallery. These can be *Please note these documents, and any information, printed and distributed to your class. diagrams or images contained therein, must not be extracted, reproduced, or distributed except to the extent it has been expressly authorised under license from Wine Australia.

McLaren Vale / Educator guide SUGGESTED TIMINGS

This program is designed to be taught in one to two hours. How long you spend on each topic – or whether you cover it at all – will depend on your attendees as well as time allocation. Below are two different examples of how you may wish to divide your time.

ONE-HOUR CLASS TWO-HOUR CLASS

Topic Time Time (mins) Topic (mins)

Welcome and introduction 5 mins Welcome and introduction 5 mins

The history of McLaren Vale 5 mins The history of McLaren Vale 10 mins

Geography, climate and soil 5 mins Geography, climate and soil 10 mins

Viticulture 5 mins Viticulture 10 mins

Winemaking 5 mins Winemaking 10 mins

Characteristics and flavour Break 10 mins profiles (including tasting) 30 mins

Summary and class close 5 mins Characteristics and flavour profiles (including tasting) 45 mins

McLaren Vale by numbers 10 mins

Summary and class close 10 mins

McLaren Vale / Educator guide PREPARING F O R YOUR EVENT

3 WEEKS PRIOR Confirm event time and book venue Confirm equipment availability (glasses, projector, mats, etc.) Invite attendees (recommend setting an RSVP for 1 week prior to event).

1 WEEK PRIOR Reconfirm venue availability – check tables/chairs if being provided by venue Confirm number of attendees Review course content and make any required edits to presentation slides Select the wines (one bottle per 16 attendees). See suggested mix below Draft and print your tasting list in order of presentation (blank template provided).

1 DAY PRIOR Print attendee list Fill in and print relevant class handouts, including tasting sheets and participation certificates Collect and clean glassware Put wines in fridge to chill overnight, if required Double-check you have all equipment required to run the event.

3 HOURS PRIOR Check wines are at an appropriate temperature, with white and sparkling wines in the fridge Set up room Set up and test projector/laptop/iPad Ensure the venue manager is aware of the start time and location for the event and can direct attendees if necessary.

30 MINUTES PRIOR Gather the wines, using ice buckets with a 50:50 mix of ice and water for white and sparkling wines.

McLaren Vale / Educator guide YOU WILL NEED

SUGGESTED WINES TO TASTE PER ATTENDEE – Oliver’s Taranga Vineyards Fiano 1 glass for each wine you’ll – Mitolo ‘Jester’ be tasting – Chapel Hill ‘Gorge Block’ 600mL bottle of water – Paxton ‘Now’ Chardonnay  1 spittoon (plastic cups are – Coriole ‘Vita’ Reserve suitable) – Hither & Yon Palate cleansers, such as – Yangarra Estate Vineyard Old Vine water crackers and S.C. Pannell ‘The Vale’ Shiraz Grenache Tasting mats, wine list and other relevant handouts – Wirra Wirra ‘Woodhenge’ Shiraz or Kay Brothers Amery Vineyards Pen. ‘Basket Pressed’ Shiraz – d’Arenberg ‘Coppermine’ or Battle of Bosworth Cabernet Sauvignon TO SET UP YOUR TRAINING ROOM Should you wish to extend the tasting, the following wines are recommended: Tables and chairs to seat all participants – Alpha Box & Dice ‘Golden Mullet Fury’ Semillon A table (or barrel) at the front – Chalk Hill for the wines – Jauma ‘Peek A Boo’ Grenache Pet Nat Ice and ice buckets to – Primo Estate Nero d’Avola hold wines – Serafino Bellissimo Montepulciano  Corkscrew Wiping cloth or paper towel for spills Note:  Projector and screen/wall – Allow 1 bottle per 16 participants.  Some classes may require – Have a second bottle on hand for microphone and speakers. any wines sealed with cork to allow for cork taint issues. – You can pre-pour in Tip: advance if time is tight – wine Arrange tables and chairs to should be served at 15°C (60°F). encourage discussion. U-shaped room Avoid pre-pouring white or sparkling with a round table format is ideal. wine so it can be served chilled.

McLaren Vale / Educator guide DISCOVERED EDUCATION PROGRAM

The comprehensive, free education For enquiries, email program providing information, tools and [email protected] resources to discover Australian wine.

To access course presentation, videos and tasting tools, as well as other programs, visit Wine Australia supports the www.australianwinediscovered.com responsible service of alcohol. PROGRAM INFORMATION AND PRESENTATION SLIDES M c LAREN VALE

AUSTRALIAN WINE DISCOVERED Toby Bekkers, Viticulturist, Bekkers Wine, McLaren Vale McLaren Wine, Bekkers Viticulturist, Bekkers, Toby

Australia’s unique climate and landscape have fostered a fiercely independent wine scene, home to a vibrant community of growers, winemakers, viticulturists, and vignerons. With more than 100 grape varieties grown across 65 distinct wine regions, we have the freedom to make exceptional wine, and to do it our own way. We’re not beholden by tradition, but continue to push the boundaries in the pursuit of the most diverse, thrilling wines in the world. That’s just our way.

McLaren Vale / Educator guide AUSTRALIA

NORTHERN TERRITORY

QUEENSLAND Stuart Hwy Barrier Hwy

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

NEW SOUTH WALES

Eyre Hwy VICTORIA McLA re N VALE 0 500

Kilometres TASMANIA

Flinders Hwy

Lincoln Hwy

Sturt Hwy

ADELAIDE

McLAREN VALE

Ouyen Hwy

Dukes Hwy

Riddoch Hwy SOUTH Princes Hwy AUSTRALIA

McLaren Vale / Educator guide McLaren Vale is one of the oldest and most historically significant wine regions in Australia. It’s also one of the most innovative and exciting.

- Diversity - Innovation - Sustainability - Natural beauty M c LAREN VALE: AN ANCIENT REGION WITH A PROGRESSIVE OUTLOOK

LOOP VIDEO – Diversity: For decades McLaren Vale has been lauded for its ability to produce Now is a good time to play the brilliance from an array of noble varieties McLaren Vale loop video, as you – from restrained yet generous Cabernet welcome people. Sauvignon and rich and refined Shiraz, to an exciting range of emerging varieties like Fiano and Tempranillo. Its current star performer, however, is Grenache. McLAREN VALE: – Innovation: With more than 7,300 hectares AN ANCIENT REGION WITH under vine and strong international A PROGRESSIVE OUTLOOK demand for its wines, the region retains The birthplace of wine in South Australia, the innovative spirit it was born with. Much McLaren Vale lies just south of the capital of that spirit stems from the fact that city of and offers a variety of soils McLaren Vale has many boutique wineries that bask in a Mediterranean climate. that continue to push the boundaries in search of perfection. Layered over this history is a commitment to innovation and change. The McLaren Vale – Sustainability: McLaren Vale is also one wine community is known for being one of of the more environmentally conscious the most progressive and environmentally regions in Australia, with a number sustainable in the country, producing of producers farming organically and quality, contemporary styles crafted out of biodynamically or employing sustainable traditional and emerging grape varieties. farming methods.

McLaren Vale / Educator guide – Natural beauty: McLaren Vale is an incredibly picturesque region, nestled between the and the white, sandy beaches of Gulf St Vincent. It offers exceptional wines and regional produce all set among rolling hills, vineyard vistas, charming villages and a rugged coastline.

DID YOU KNOW McLaren Vale is a foodie hotspot, with an abundance of good restaurants and locally grown produce. It’s known for its premium olive oil and related products, thanks to the Mediterranean climate and Italian immigrants who arrived in the 1950s and ‘60s. Some wineries grow olives and produce oil as a side business.

McLaren Vale / Educator guide TO DAY

- The history of WE’LL McLaren Vale - Climate and soil - Viticulture - Winemaking - Noteable varieties - Characteristics and flavour profiles COVER… - McLaren Vale by numbers

McLaren Vale / Educator guide THE HISTORY OF McLAREN VALE 1839 John Reynell establishes South Australia’s first commercial vineyard.

1838 1850s McLaren Vale is founded, The now-legendary winemaker two years after the state Thomas Hardy establishes of South Australia is his own property and delivers established. the largest bulk wine export to England.

MID-1920s – LATE 1960s 2010s Production is focused on fortified Legislation passed to wine and business booms. protect the character Immigrants from post-war Italy of McLaren Vale. bring fresh vitality and add to the region’s reputation as a centre of gastronomy.

1970s TO DAY & 1980s With so much to offer McLaren Vale’s wines take winemakers, and a propensity their place on the world for experimentation, McLaren stage. The number of wineries Vale is increasingly known as grows along with the region’s one of Australia’s most exciting reputation for fine wine. wine regions.

McLaren Vale / Educator guide THE HISTORY OF McLAREN VALE: Mid-1920s to late 1960s 180 YEARS OF WINE EXCELLENCE By the turn of the century, in keeping with In the beginning the Victorian age’s yearning for all things McLaren Vale’s heritage spans thousands sweet, production turned to . of years of traditional ownership by the Business boomed and with money in the Indigenous Kaurna people. More recently, it bank some wineries began investing in has been shaped by European colonisation. bottling lines. 1838 This marked a quality watershed for The region came into being two years after McLaren Vale, coinciding with newly arrived the state of South Australia was established. immigrants, this time from post-war Italy. It takes its name from either – depending on With them came olives and a food culture who you believe – John McLaren or David that has added so much to the region’s McLaren (not related) of the South Australia reputation as a centre of gastronomy. These Company, which was founded to build a have subsequently become woven into the new Australian colony. fabric of the area and are now adding fresh vitality into this classic region. As with so much of Australian wine history, the region’s founders were recent 1970s and 1980s immigrants: two English farmers from Along with so many other Australian regions, Devon, William Colton and Charles Thomas it was the 1970s and ’80s that saw McLaren Hewett. Drawn to the area by its fertile soils Vale’s wines hit the world stage. On the back and fresh water, the two men established of traditional classics such Shiraz, Cabernet adjoining farms – then for cereals and cattle and Grenache, the region saw the number – that would become the Oxenberry Farm, of wineries rise and its reputation for fine which today produces award-winning wines. wine start to take root. 1839 2010s Another young Devon farmer, John Legislation to protect McLaren Vale Reynell, established South Australia’s first from urban sprawl – a risk given its close commercial vineyard. proximity to Adelaide – was passed by the South Australian Parliament in 2012, and 1850s came into force in January 2013. Reynell was joined in this endeavour in 1850 by a young man whose name has become Today legendary in Australian wine circles, Thomas While McLaren Vale accounts for only Hardy. Hardy learnt a huge amount from a small percentage of Australia’s total his time working for Reynell, and used this wine production and exports, it is known knowledge when establishing his own domestically – and increasingly overseas – property, Bankside, in 1853. Shiraz and as one of the country’s most exciting wine Grenache produced around 600 litres of regions. McLaren Vale continues to draw wine in 1857, which was exported to England forward-thinking winemakers committed accompanied by Hardy. At the time, it was to producing creative wines that are an the largest bulk-wine export to England, and authentic expression of the region. its successful sale inspired Hardy to plant more vines, the humble beginnings of one of the world’s great wine names. Like any emerging region, McLaren Vale had to produce what the market wanted, so most of the early production was given over to copies of European classics.

McLaren Vale / Educator guide ANCIENT - Just 40km south of Adelaide - One of the most ancient and geologically diverse regions in the world - 1 9 distinct areas based on LANDS climate and geology AND DIVERSE SOILS

ANCIENT LANDS AND DIVERSE SOILS Located on the , 40 kilometres south of the state capital of Adelaide, McLaren Vale lies between two fault lines in rocks older than 500 million years and has 19 distinct areas.

DID YOU KNOW The McLaren Vale Geographical Indication (GI) declaration was officially recognised in 1997. The GI covers an area from Hallett Cove to Clarendon and then roughly south-west along the Willunga foothills, meeting at the coastline of Sellicks Beach.

McLaren Vale / Educator guide HIGH >1000M LATITUDE >3280FT MEDIUM M C LAREN VALE -HIGH 750–999M 34° 2460–3279FT 16'S LOW -MEDIUM 500–749M 1640–2459FT ALTITUDE M c LAREN VALE LOW 50-250M / 164-820FT 0–499M 0–1639FT

CLIMATE GROWING SEASON MCL A RE N VALE RAINFALL MEDITERRANEAN MCLAREN VALE LOW 150–300MM (5.9–11.8IN)

McLaren Vale / Educator guide CLIMATE GROWING SEASON RAINFALL McLaren Vale has a Mediterranean Calculated from October to April in climate, characterised by warm summers, Australia, growing season rainfall is a good mild winters, winter-dominated rainfall, indication of how much water is available to low relative humidity and relatively high the vine. evaporation. McLaren Vale typically has cool, wet winters However, the proximity of Mount Lofty and and warm, dry summers. Rainfall during the Gulf St Vincent play an important role in growing season is quite low, which means moderating the climate and are largely supplementary irrigation is often used. responsible for many meso- and micro- climatic differences. Local winds blow down from both the slopes and in from the Gulf to cool and dry the vines. This climatic variation throughout the region means there are small parcels of land each making distinct wines.

McLaren Vale / Educator guide MEAN JANUARY HEAT TEMPERATURE DEGREE

ho T DAYS >23°C >1900 Very High wa R M 1600 MCLAREN –1899 VALE High °C 1300 MCLA re N 21.7 –1599 VALE Medium

mo D ER TE A 19°C–20.9°C 1000 –1299 C oo L Low 17°C–18.9°C

Source: Wine Australia, 2017

MEAN JANUARY TEMPERATURE (MJT) Mean January Temperature refers to the mean temperature of the warmest month. HEAT DEGREE DAYS (HDD) Heat degree days (HDD) is an indicator of the warmth of a climate during the vine-growing period. These warm conditions help build weight and fruit richness to the wines. Cooler nights ensure consistent ripening, but not too quickly.

McLaren Vale / Educator guide SOIL McLaren Vale has over 40 unique geologies that vary in age from 15,000 years to more than 500 million years. Its wide variety of soil types reflect its varied terrain: - Red-brown sandy loams - Grey-brown loamy sands - Distinctly sandy soils - Patches of red or black friable loams - Yellow clay subsoils interspersed with lime

SOIL SUGGESTED DISCUSSION POINTS McLaren Vale is one of the most geologically diverse regions in the world, – How does McLaren Vale benefit with its wide variety of soil types reflecting from being located alongside its varied terrain. the ocean? What influence does The one thing these soils have in common this have on the vines and on is that they are fairly free draining, which grape growing? makes them perfectly suited to the – How might the region’s soil types production of top-quality grapes. While affect wine characteristics? the direct impact on wine of the region’s varied soils is still being explored, together with climate, old vines and innovative winemaking, they lay the foundations for outstanding viticulture.

McLaren Vale / Educator guide AUSTRALIAN AUSTRALIAN SHIRAZ AUSTRALIAN

GRENACHE CABERNET SAUVIGNON CABERNET

The re gi ON 'S bi GTHRee

Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon Grenache VITICULTURE: GRAPE GROWING IN Mc LAREN VALE

VITICULTURE: GRAPE GROWING IN McLAREN VALE McLaren Vale has a proud history of viticulture and today has over 7,300 hectares of land under vine. Around 90% of grapes grown here are red varieties, with a focus on Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache. However, all manner of vines thrive in the region’s soils, and experimentation with different varieties is a major focus. Vines suited to a Mediterranean climate – such as Barbera, Fiano, Sangiovese, and Vermentino – flourish on many sites. Many of McLaren Vale’s wineries employ innovative viticulture practices, and it is this contemporary approach combined with many old vines – and the careful viticulture practices required to manage them – that helps to define the region.

McLaren Vale / Educator guide PROUD HISTORY AND PROGRESSIVE THINKING

- Mediterranean varieties - Many old vines - Innovative viticulture practices - Phylloxera-free - Commitment to experimentation

FEATURE VIDEO Phylloxera Phylloxera is a small aphid-like insect that Now is a good time to play feeds on grapevine roots and can devastate the feature video – McLaren Vale: whole vineyards. Unlike many international Alternative varieties. wine regions, McLaren Vale – along with South Australia’s other wine regions – avoids phylloxera thanks to strict quarantine regulations.

McLaren Vale / Educator guide HARVEST ENDS End of April

BEGINS Start of February for early-ripening varieties such as Chardonnay

HARVEST Harvest starts in February for varieties like Chardonnay and ends in April, in line with harvest times in most Australian wine regions. The warm Mediterranean climate reliably ripens all varieties in almost all areas of the region. Generally, grapes grown in the southernmost point of the region ripen first, with harvest dates occurring later as you travel north-east. The two main climatic factors that can impact harvest in McLaren Vale are rainfall and heat.

McLaren Vale / Educator guide - One of Australia’s ‘greenest’ wine regions - Organic products and biodynamic practices - Minimal chemical intervention - Climate-appropriate varieties - World-leading water management SUSTAINABILITY

DID YOU KNOW? McLaren Vale has the highest number of certified organic and biodynamic vineyards in Australia, and one of the lowest usage rates of sprays and agro-chemicals.

SUSTAINABILITY McLaren Vale is known for being one of the ‘greenest’ wine regions, with many growers using eco-friendly, organic products and biodynamic practices. Minimal chemical pest and disease management is increasing, and the region’s water-management strategies are leading the way. McLaren Vale’s varietal diversity also reflects its focus on sustainability. Some grapegrowers take an adaptable approach, adjusting what they plant according to environmental factors such as climate change and the specific requirements of McLaren Vale’s climate.

McLaren Vale / Educator guide ADVANCED COMPLEMENTARY NOTES READING WORLD-LEADING WATER A LOCAL PROGRAM IMPROVES MANAGEMENT SUSTAINABILITY ACROSS AUSTRALIA When it comes to water conservation and re-use, McLaren Vale is ahead of In 2009, McLaren Vale Grape Wine the curve. & Tourism Association launched the Sustainable Australia Winegrowing – McLaren Vale was the first region (SAW) program (initially called in Australia to declare and manage Generational Farming). This online its underground water resource so program assesses the environmental, that it is self-replenishing. economic and social sustainability – McLaren Vale built the first and of vineyards and drives continuous largest reclaimed-water network improvement of growers and the in Australia so that 100% of all region overall. irrigation is now from a sustainable Growers are assessed resource other than river water. in seven areas: – Some grapegrowers use cutting- – Soil health, nutrition and fertiliser edge moisture-monitoring management. technology to make informed – Pest and disease management. irrigation-management decisions. – Biodiversity management. Since summer rainfall is low, – Water management. supplementary irrigation is considered – Waste management. essential, and today there are two – Social relations main sources of water in McLaren (workers, community and wineries). Vale important to irrigated grape – Economic sustainability. production: The program accounts for more – Groundwater aquifers, where water than 40% of McLaren Vale’s total is collected and stored from natural vineyard area and more than 65% of run-off. the annual crush. SAW has proven very successful and is now open to – Treated reclaimed water that is growers nationally, helping to drive piped into the region from nearby more sustainable practices across water-treatment plants. Australia’s wine community. Sprinkler and flood irrigation hasn’t been used in McLaren Vale for more than 25 years. The use of recycled water takes significant pressure off the natural groundwater and is vital to the sustainability of the region’s natural water resources.

McLaren Vale / Educator guide WINEMAKING IN McLAREN VALE

- Collaboration - Experimentation - Adaptability KEY TRENDS - Minimal intervention - Reviving ancient techniques - Showcasing varietal characters and influences of - Picking grapes earlier and using less new oak to produce fresher, lighter wines

WINEMAKING IN McLAREN VALE it’s a philosophy that has led to many McLaren Vale is home to more than 110 successes. New winemaking techniques are wineries, many of which are known for their frequently introduced while ancient ones, innovative winemaking techniques. The such as amphora fermentation, are revived. three key factors that define the region’s Many winemakers are exploring minimal- approach to winemaking are collaboration, intervention approaches and other practices experimentation and adaptability. that allow wines to express McLaren Vale’s distinctive terroir. Collaboration Names that built the region’s reputation, Adaptability such as Hardys, d’Arenberg, Chapel Hill and An agile approach allows the region’s Wirra Wirra, have been joined in more recent vintners to adjust their wines as consumer times by winemakers challenging the status tastes change. As a warm-climate region, quo. From the outside it would be easy to McLaren Vale inherently produces wines of see tension between the old and the new, ample concentration and flavour. In recent the classic and the innovative. But McLaren years, however, the focus has shifted from Vale has risen above this and is a tight-knit, big, powerful styles to showcasing varietal collaborative community of winemakers characters and influences of terroir. sharing knowledge and collectively lifting the As a result, current winemaking practices region’s capabilities – and its wines, tend towards greater restraint. Winemakers as a result. are generally picking grapes earlier and using Experimentation less new oak to produce fresher, lighter wines Innovation and experimentation have that have traditionally only come from cooler long been at the heart of the region, and climates.

McLaren Vale / Educator guide ADVANCED SUGGESTED NOTES DISCUSSION POINTS AMPHORA FERMENTATION – McLaren Vale is home to a growing number of small, experimental An ancient method of making wineries exploring skin-contact and storing wine – practised by wines. Discuss the growing winemakers of millennia ago – popularity of these wines in amphora is gaining popularity as a Australia and why McLaren Vale unique fermentation method. Made is a key producer. of clay and coming in a range of sizes, the ‘amphora’ earthenware pots are – What is amphora fermentation used for fermentation and ageing and how does it impact the purposes, for both red and white winemaking process and the wines. Interestingly, there is no set finished product? rule around their storage, with some winemakers burying – or half-burying – the pots, while others leave them unburied.

COMPLEMENTARY READING GROWING GRAPES FOR AUSTRALIA’S MOST FAMOUS WINE For an Australian grapegrower, farming the grapes used to make Grange – arguably Australia’s most famous wine – is one of the highest honours. Some growers will cherish making the grade and having their Shiraz grapes included in the iconic wine just once in their lives. But in McLaren Vale, the growers at Oliver’s Taranga have had grapes from their vineyards included in Penfolds Grange 14 times since 1996! In 2015, the winery received the Penfolds Triple Crown Grange Growers perpetual trophy, awarded to wineries that have had their grapes used in Grange for three years in a row. Oliver’s Taranga was the first McLaren Vale winery to receive the award. Strict standards are set for the grapes and wine used in Grange, and the grapes are sampled and rated in the lead-up to harvest. Every year, the vineyards selected are invited to a celebratory lunch and receive a magnum (1.5L) bottle of the wine.

McLaren Vale / Educator guide TASTE OF McLAREN VALE: NOTEWORTHY VARIETIES

NOTEWORTHY VARIETIES Notable producers include: – Wirra Wirra TIME TO TASTE! – Kay Brothers NOW IS AN APPROPRIATE TIME TO – Hardys TASTE AND DISCUSS YOUR SELECTED – d’Arenberg MIX OF WINES. SHIRAZ Shiraz is the region’s signature variety. It’s renowned for its velvety texture and rolling palate, but there’s really no such thing as a ‘typical’ McLaren Vale Shiraz due to the wildly varying geology and soil types. It can range from medium-bodied and nuanced with raspberries to dark fruit, spicy and full-bodied. McLaren Vale naturally produces Shiraz with small grapes, which results in a higher skin-to-pulp ratio and a more complex and intense finished wine. Some winemakers blend their final Shiraz from a variety of sub-regions to add complexity.

McLaren Vale / Educator guide SHIRAZ

of toTA l + aNN ual McLare n Vale’s % c RU sh si gnature vaRI ety 60

NO TYPICAL STYLE DUE TO VARYING GEOLOGY SMALLER GRAPES AND SOIL = more complex TYPES and intense wines – Blackcurrant – Blueberry FLAVOURS – Liquorice GREATER LONGEVITY LAREN VALE LAREN SHIRAZ

for Shiraz with c – Black olive ageing potential M – Dark chocolate – Spice

SHIRAZ

COLOUR Shiraz

Light Medium Full BODY

Dry Medium dry Sweet SWEETNESS

Low Medium High OAK TANNIN ACIDIT Y 8% 13.5–15.5% 17% ALCOHOL

McLaren Vale / Educator guide CABERNET SAUVIGNON

FLAVOURS BEST EXAMPLES TEND TO BE FROM COOLER VINEYARD SITES – Blackcurrant AND MILDER VINTAGES – Black cherry – Blackberry – Chocolate – Liqourice of toTA l – Green capsicum + aNN ual 18% c RU sh

FULL-BODIED OPULENT and rich, with WINES WITH structure for ageing LAREN VALE LAREN

LAYERS OF c CABERNET CABERNET SAUVIGNON

FLAVOUR M

CABERNET SAUVIGNON

COLOUR Cabernet Sauvignon

Light Medium Full BODY

Dry Medium dry Sweet SWEETNESS

Low Medium High OAK TANNIN ACIDIT Y 8% 13.5–15.5% 17% ALCOHOL

McLaren Vale / Educator guide CABERNET SAUVIGNON McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its varietal character and layers of flavour. The wines are often full-bodied and rich, with structure for ageing. These characteristics ensure its continued popularity both domestically and internationally. Cabernet Sauvignon shines in the region’s cooler sites and vintages. Notable producers include: – Chapel Hill – Battle of Bosworth – Leconfield Wines – Brash Higgins

McLaren Vale / Educator guide GRENACHE

– Cherry – Dark Raspberry FLAVOURS – Strawberry ONCERANGING OVERL OOKED,FROM – White pepper LIGHT-BODIEDNOW A TOSTAR MORE – Earth – Spice MEDIUM PERFORMER WEIGHT, SILKY AND TEXTURAL

of toTA l aNN ual cRU sh WELL SUITED in M c Lare n TO THE REGION 5% Vale AND PRODUCES A VARIETY OF STYLES

of

LAREN VALE LAREN Austra lia’s

c Gre naCH e

OLDEST VINES M 15% c RU sh planted in late 1800s GRENACHE

GRENACHE

COLOUR Grenache

Light Medium Full BODY

Dry Medium dry Sweet SWEETNESS

Low Medium High OAK TANNIN ACIDIT Y 8% 13.5–15.5% 17% ALCOHOL

McLaren Vale / Educator guide GRENACHE McLaren Vale has many old Grenache vines dating back as far as the late 1800s. The variety is still used in classic GSM (Grenache Shiraz Mataro/Mourvèdre) blends, but single-varietal wines – for a long time overlooked – have experienced a spirited renaissance during the last decade. Grenache is now a star performer. McLaren Vale winemakers produce varying styles of Grenache, with the older plantings producing richly flavoured wines with juiciness and spice. Regardless of style, the variety is perfectly suited to the region. Notable producers include: – Samuel’s Gorge – Bekkers – S.C. Pannell – Yangarra Estate Vineyards

McLaren Vale / Educator guide CHARDONNAY

MAJOR WHITE GRAPE PLANTED LAREN VALE LAREN c

WIDELY GROWN M for affordable, easy-drinking styles CHARDONNAY

CHARDONNAY Chardonnay is the major white grape planted in the region, delivering affordable, easy-drinking styles. However, in recent years winemakers have shifted their focus to Spanish and Italian varieties better suited to the Mediterranean climate.

McLaren Vale / Educator guide EMERGING AND RE-EMERGING VARIETIES AUSTRALIAN AUSTRALIAN AUSTRALIAN FIANO AUSTRALIAN AUSTRALIAN ZINFANDEL SANGIOVESE VERMENTINO TEMPRANILLO

VERMENTINO FIANO SANGIOVESE TEMPRANILLO ZINFANDEL medium-bodied medium-bodied medium-bodied red medium-bodied red medium-bodied red white white AUSTRALIAN AUSTRALIAN AUSTRALIAN AUSTRALIAN BARBERA NERO D’AVOLA MATARO MONTEPULCIANO

MONTEPULCIANO BARBERA NERO D’AVOLA MATARO medium to full-bodied red full-bodied red (MOURVÈDRE) full-bodied red full-bodied red

EMERGING AND RE-EMERGING SUGGESTED VARIETIES DISCUSSION POINTS The climatic and soil diversity has helped – Why does Shiraz continue to McLaren Vale producers successfully dominate wine production in embrace emerging and re-emerging McLaren Vale – and in Australia varieties. This exploration of international more generally? styles, using viticulture and winemaking – Why do you think these techniques that make them authentic ‘alternative’ varieties are being to the region, is one of the most exciting produced by McLaren Vale parts of McLaren Vale today. winemakers – and embraced by Notable producers include: consumers? – Oliver’s Taranga: Fiano – Are these emerging styles being – Coriole: Sangiovese grown in other regions in Australia? – Primo Estate: Vermentino Why/why not?

McLaren Vale / Educator guide UNITED TOP 5 EXPORT KINGDOM CHINA CRUSH DESTINATIONS II% 3I%

MCLAREN VALE ACCOUNTS FOR % 3% OF AUSTRALIA’S NEW TOTAL GRAPE CANADA ZEALAND 3 CRUSH 2I% 4% UNITED STATES I3% M c LAREN VALE BY NUMBERS

EXPORTS WINE TYPE

APPROX MILLION LITRES 8.4 EACH YEAR % % OF AUSTRALIAN 10 90 = 1.5% WINE EXPORTS W hi T E RED

Sources: SA Winegrape Crush Survey, 2017 Wine Australia, 2017

McLaren Vale / Educator guide M c LAREN VALE: A FUTURE OF INNOVATION BUILT ON STRONG FOUNDATIONS

A FUTURE OF INNOVATION BUILT ON STRONG FOUNDATIONS McLaren Vale is a picturesque region known in Australia – and increasingly internationally – as a progressive community of winemakers producing high-quality, exciting and environmentally sustainable wines. Shiraz remains the firm favourite, but in recent years lesser-known Italian and Spanish varieties have taken centre stage. As such, McLaren Vale is set for a very bright future as a unique region that’s always looking forward while staying true to its ancient soils.

McLaren Vale / Educator guide KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER – McLaren Vale is the birthplace of wine in South Australia, and one of Australia’s oldest and most historically significant wine regions. – It’s best known for its trio of reds: Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache. – McLaren Vale is a warm-climate region classified as Mediterranean. – It’s one of the most geologically diverse regions in the world. – As one of Australia’s most environmentally sustainable wine regions, it’s leading the way in organic practices, water management and climate-appropriate plantings. – Winemaking in McLaren Vale is defined by three key factors: collaboration, experimentation and adaptability. – In recent years, the focus has shifted from big, powerful styles to showcasing varietal characters and influences of terroir. – The most widely planted grape is still Shiraz, but the varieties generating the most buzz right now include Grenache and a line-up of Italian and Spanish styles such as Fiano, Vermentino, Tempranillo and Barbera.

McLaren Vale / Educator guide THANK YOU