Adelaide Hills

Question 1

Where Adelaide Hills located?

Answer 1

Around 25km east of the state capital, Adelaide, the region is characterised by valleys
and steep hillsides, which restrict mechanisation in many vineyards. There is therefore a
considerable variety of aspects, topography and soil types

Question 2

What are the climatic and growing conditions?

Answer 2

The climate is cool to moderate maritime
with temperatures varying due to altitude (the vineyards are mainly planted between 400 and
500 m above sea level and proximity to the ocean. Site selection is important: some low altitude, west-facing slopes in the north of the region are warm enough to produce full- bodied
red wines. At higher altitudes in the centre of the region, temperatures are cooler and earlier
ripening varieties, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, are more successful.
High diurnal range in these sites further helps to retain acidity. However, the relatively low
latitude means the sunlight is still intense and so the wines show riper fruit flavours than might
otherwise be expected.
Rainfall levels are relatively high during the growing season and fungal diseases are a threat. It is also collected through dams to aid irrigation.

Question 3

Name 2 sub regions

Answer 3

Piccadilly Valley and Lenswood

Question 4

Which varieties are mostly grown?

Answer 4

whites: Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay

reds: Pinot Noir and Shiraz

Question 5

What other varietals are experimenting with?

Answer 5

The region has also seen much experimentation with alternative varieties, including
Grüner Veltliner, Blaufränkisch, Arneis, Fiano, Sangiovese and Nebbiolo, as well as organic
and low-intervention styles of wine particularly from around the Basket Range area.

Question 6

Adelaide Sauvignon Blanc style, quality and price

Answer 6

Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc
tends to have intense ripe fruit aromas (rather than the herbaceous notes associated with
Marlborough), high acidity and medium alcohol. They tend to be good to very good quality
and mid-priced.

Question 7

Adelaide Chardonnay styles, quality and price

Answer 7

Chardonnay is also produced for both still and
sparkling wines. The still wines usually have medium (+) to high acidity and medium body but, due to the intense sunlight, ripe stone fruit flavours. Malolactic conversion, oak maturation and lees ageing are all commonly practiced bringing greater texture and complexity. Chardonnays
are often very good to outstanding in quality and mid- to premium priced.

Question 8

Adelaide Pinot Noir styles, quality and price

Answer 8

Although significant amounts are used
for sparkling wine, good and very good quality still wines are also made, with mid- and
premium prices. These have medium (+) acidity, medium body, medium alcohol and red fruit
characteristics. Depending on the winemaking style, they range from delicate and floral to
more spicy, but all tend to have firmer tannins than Pinot Noirs from Victoria

Question 9

Adelaide Shiraz style, quality and price

Answer 9

The cooler parts of
the region produce a medium-bodied style with medium to high alcohol, high levels of fine
tannins and spicy, peppery notes. The warmer vineyards to the north can produce a more
full-bodied, fruitier style

Question 10

Significant producers

Answer 10

Shaw + Smith and Penfolds