Celebration of Coonawarra reds

Australian region is world renowned for its devotion to a variety of wines

Coonawarra is one of Australia’s leading regions for top quality Cabernet Sauvignon.

Margaret River and Barossa fall into that mix as well, but it’s worth noting Coonawarra has been associated with the Cabernet grape variety since the 1890s when pioneering settler John Riddoch encouraged others in the region to plant Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon vines on the flat, fertile landscape.

Over the years, the region once best known for its sheep has risen to worldwide acclaim for its wine, notably elegant and ageworthy Cabernet Sauvignon with flavours suggesting blackcurrant, mint and dried herb notes.

Wynns Coonawarra Estate and Yalumba, which also makes wine from family owned vineyards in the Eden and Barossa valleys, are responsible for some of the premium wines from the Coonawarra region that are most widely distributed in Canada.

The iconic Wynns Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon celebrated its 60th vintage in 2017.

Coonawarra’s affinity for red varieties continues today — 92 per cent of the production is red wine. A small patch of red clay soils, known locally as terra rossa, is the source for the most celebrated and collected Coonawarra wines.

Beyond Coonawarra, that cigar-shaped piece of land in South Australia, vineyards produce a range of quality levels of red and white wines, which retail for a range of price points. Jacob’s Creek produces its high volume Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon here (which retails for less than $20 in most markets across the country).

In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot are extensively cultivated. The mix of white wine varieties includes Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc.

A great introduction to this noteworthy region is The Yearling Cabernet Sauvignon, released recently by Rymill Coonawarra. A ripe and supple red wine with an equally attractive price, The Yearling Cabernet Sauvignon is a solid representation of the grape variety and that refined Coonawarra character.

Both The Yearling Cabernet Sauvignon and its sibling, The Yearling Sauvignon Blanc, are bound to stimulate interest in an Australian category that continues to deliver expressive wines at exciting prices.