Southern Flinders Ranges

Southern Flinders Ranges is a South Australian wine region, located east of Spencer Gulf and north of the Clare Valley. It is located to the east and north-east of Port Pirie. Though vines have been planted in the area since the 1890s, the Southern Flinders Ranges is a relatively new wine-growing region that began to emerged during the last 20 years of the 20th century.^[1]

Climate and geography

Due to its close proximately to the Clare Valley, there are many similarities in the geological features. Most of Southern Flinders vineyards are located between 40 and 500 metres (131 to 1640 feet) altitude. Despite its northerly situation, the climate of the region can be described as warm and dry, rather than hot, being assisted in its relative mildness by its elevation and the maritime influences of the Spencer Gulf to the south-west and southerly winds from Gulf St Vincent. Located along the Goyder's Line the area receives ample amount of rainfall and tends to harvest earlier then the neighboring Clare and Barossa Valleys.^[1] Some vineyard still choose to irrigate using underground water sources.^[2]

The region is often split into two sub-zones-the Baroota Land System which includes the coastal plains to the west of the Flinders Ranges and the Wild Dog Creek Land System which includes the land to the east of the Ranges. The sub zones are distinct from each other in soil type with the Baroota having alluvial deposit of sandy loam and the Wild Dog Creek section being composed of more stoney-based loam and red clay.^[3]

Grapes and wine

While the Southern Flinders Ranges grows a wide range of grape varieties, the area has been very successful in recent years with its Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz.^[1] The majority of the region production has been in red wine varietals.^[2] However, the first wine of Southern Flinders to make one of Australia top 100 wines list was a Riesling from the area which captured the honor in 2004.^[4]

References