Mount Benson
New Australian wine-producing region located about 180 miles southeast of the city of Adelaide in south australia’s Limestone Coast Zone. It’s situated between the coastal towns of Kingston and Robe. Vines weren’t planted here until 1989, but there’s excitement about the area because its soil (terra rossa over limestone) is similar to that of the famous Coonawarra region, about 65 miles inland to the east. The primary difference between the two areas is that Mount Benson is on the coast and has a slightly longer growing season. The climate and soils are very similar to the Robe Ranges region about 25 miles south. Mount Benson grows Cabernet Sauvignon, shiraz, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sémillon, and Sauvignon Blanc.
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.