Coonawara

Question 1

Climatic conditions

Answer 1

Coonawarra has a moderate maritime climate which is very similar to that of Bordeaux, but slightly
warmer and drier in the growing season. Despite being 100km from the coast, the landscape
in the area is so flat that cool afternoon sea breezes can reach this far inland. Cloud cover
during the growing season also moderates
temperatures.
Rainfall is relatively low

Question 2

Natural hazards

Answer 2

rain around flowering can affect fruit set, as
can strong winds. Spring frost can also be a
hazard and many producers use sprinklers to
protect the vines. Although some vineyards
are dry- farmed, irrigation is widely used, the
water sourced from underground aquifers

Question 3

Soils?

Answer 3

Coonawarra’s best wines are considered
to come from its famous terra rossa, or red
soil. This is a free-draining iron-rich loam,
averaging 50 cm in depth, over a hard
limestone base that the roots may struggle
to penetrate, restricting the vine’s access to
water. The soil is also slightly alkaline which
restricts the uptake of a number of vine
nutrients. Both of these factors control vigour
and lead to lower yields of concentrated
grapes. Under the hard limestone layer is softer limestone that retains water; this underground water can be used for irrigation when
required

Question 4

Grapes grown?

Answer 4

reds: Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz

whites: Chardonnay and Riesling

Question 5

Coonawara Cabertnet Sauvignon style, quality and price

Answer 5

medium to full-bodied with medium alcohol, high levels of firm tannins and concentrated
aromas of dark fruit (ranging from cassis to plum), with mint and eucalyptus notes. They are
frequently matured in oak, bringing hints of spice

Question 6

Coonawara Shiraz style

Answer 6

It is usually lighter-bodied than Barossa
Shiraz, but still with concentrated blackberry characters and herbal, minty notes. It is
sometimes blended with Cabernet Sauvignon

Question 7

Significant producers

Answer 7

Wynns and Katnook