Coonawarra
An important Australian wine-producing region with over 12,000 vineyard acres located in the Limestone Coast Zone of South Australia. It’s located around the town of Penola, a rather remote location about 240 miles southeast of the city of Adelaide, near the border of Victoria. Coonawarra was first planted with vineyards in 1890, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that the quality of this region’s grapes began to be recognized. The highly regarded red wines from Coonawarra (which means “honeysuckle” in Aborigine) are the result of the cool climate and the terra rossa over limestone soil. The two most popular red grapes (and the ones that make this area’s reputation) are Cabernet Sauvignon, which produces some of Australia’s best varietal wines, and shiraz (Syrah). Small amounts of Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc are also grown. Riesling is the most appreciated white variety, followed by Chardonnay, Traminer (gewürtztraminer), and Sauvignon Blanc. However, the most widely planted grape is Chardonnay, much of which goes into sparkling wines.
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.