Western Australia Flashcards
Who planted Western Australia’s first vineyard?
Thomas Waters, a botanist, planted Western Australia’s first vineyard in Swan Valley, 1829
What are the six unofficial sub zones of Margaret River ?
Dr. Gladstones proposed six unofficial sub zones
The coastal zones, from north to south, are Yallingup, Wilyabrup, Wallcliffe, and Karridale. Carbunup lies on the Geographe Bay east of Cape Naturaliste in Yallingup, and Treeton is an inland region, with the warmest summer daytime temperatures but also the greatest diurnal variation.
Which sub zone is the heart of the appellation Margaret River and its top producers?
Wilyabrup, home to three of the appellation’s “first five” producers: Vasse Felix, Cullen, and Moss Wood.
Which top producers are located in Wallcliffe inside Margaret River?
Leeuwin Estate and Cape Mentelle, are located in Wallcliffe, a cooler subzone that follows the course of the Margaret River as it flows westward into the Indian Ocean
What river flows into the Southern Ocean from Karridale and what top variety is produced?
Blackwood River flows into the Southern Ocean in Karridale, home to some of the region’s best Sauvignon Blanc—crisp, cool, and often reflecting a pure snow pea character.
What is the climate of Margaret River Gi?
Warm Mediterranean with Maritime influence
Major grapes in Margaret River Gi?
Red:(38%): Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot
White:(62%): Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Semillon
Major natural features in Margaret River Gi?
-Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, a band of rolling hills running 90 km north-south from Cape Naturaliste to Augusta
-Indian Ocean to the west
-Southern Ocean to the south
-Geographe Bay to the north
What kind of soil is in Margaret River Gi?
gravel and sandy loam over granite and gneiss
According to local folklore, who brought Cabernet Sauvignon to Western Australia?
Thomas Waters and other early European settlers, who picked up pre-phylloxera cuttings on their voyage around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, and planted vines near Perth.
Describe Cabernet Sauvignon from the red gravelly loam soils of Wilyabrup?
In warm vintages they are ripe yet moderate in weight, with bright acidity, dark berry, savory bay leaf herbal flavors and red capsicum notes.
Describe Cabernet Sauvignon from South of Wilyabrup?
Cooler Wallcliffe often produces more austere and herbal Cabernet Sauvignon wines, but the sub-region excels with Chardonnay
Explain The “Golden Triangle”?
The “Golden Triangle” within Wallcliffe- by James Halliday, comprises Leeuwin Estate, Cape Mentelle, and Voyager Estate—has been home to top Australian Chardonnay for two decades
What popular Chardonnay clone is planted inside Margaret River?
Gingin clone, a hen-and-chicken Chardonnay clone named after a town north of Perth. Gingin provides the base for the region’s classic style of rich, phenolic wines framed with taut acidity, accented by flavors of peach and lime. New oak is prominent but handled with finesse, and flinty, sulfite-derived character in “Chardy” has become a regional signature.
What are the five official sub regions of the Southern Gi?
The inland GIs of Mount Barker, Frankland River, and Porongurup; and the coastal GIs of Denmark and Albany.
