Limestone Coast
Penola, SA
| Area Under Vine | 40 acres |
|---|---|
| Grape Varieties |
Cabernet Sauvignon (46%) Shiraz (26%) Merlot (15%) Pinot Noir (13%) |
| Average Yield | 3 - 4 tonnes/acre |
| Soil Type | Terra Rossa |
| Climate | Cool, continental with cold winters |
| Yearly Rainfall | 600 - 700mm |
| Irrigation | Drip irrigation |
| Primary Brands | Rufus Stone, Old Winery |
150 million years ago an ocean covered the area that is now home to vineyards that are building a global reputation for the quality of their wines. Over millions of years the shells of the crustaceans and shellfish in this ocean accumulated and formed a limestone residue. It is these limestone deposits that influence the region's soil types and drainage, contributing to the unique growing characteristics of the region's grapes and obviously providing this truly blessed region with its descriptive name.
Limestone Coast is a region that is renowned for its cool winters, with rain that is whipped sideways by icy winds which originate in Antartica. Inland upper north areas of the Limestone Coast experience less rainfall and more sunshine than other coastal vineyards. Generous cloud cover and mild temperatures are common throughout the area, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly which in turn produces excellent fruit flavours and unique tannin structure. The terra rossa soil is found in patches throughout the Limestone Coast area.
Fruit from the Limestone Coast vineyard is machine harvested and partially machine pruned. Must juice is then transported back to Tyrrell’s Winery in the Hunter to complete its transformation into wine.