Langhorne Creek Wine

Langhorne Creek is a wine region within the Fleurieu zone of South Australia. It is located in the north-east of the peninsula, stretching from Lake Alexandria on its southern fringes towards the town of Langhorne Creek in the north. (© Proprietary Content, Wine-Searcher) It is one of Australia's most historic wine-growing areas, with the oldest established wineries dating back to the mid-19th century. The modern-day wine trade is a mix of large, multi-national corporations and boutique wineries with their own cellar doors. 

The region's grape-growing conditions are unique in the sense that Langhorne Creek sits on an ancient flood plain created by the Angas and Bremer rivers; this makes the soil predominantly alluvial. The flood plain also ensures that local vineyards can be naturally irrigated by rain-water flooding down from the Mount Lofty Ranges. This is a major advantage as a lack of water in other parts of South Australia places a major constraint on viticulture. Another important feature is the area's temperate climate, with moderate temperatures throughout the growing season assisted by cool breezes from Lake Alexandria as well as the southerlies blowing from the Southern Ocean. All these factors make the fertile plains of Langhorne Creek a mild region with a long ripening season. (Copyright material, Wine-Searcher)

That said, Langhorne Creek's wine portfolio is limited when compared with some of its neighbors. It is primarily a red wine producer, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz making up approximately 70% of the total vineyard area. These can be varietally labeled or blended with Merlot and Malbec to produce wines with soft and delicate tannins with a good deal of extract. Langhorne Creek has also made a name for its quality white wines, especially Verdelho, which offers clean varietal aromas of citrus fruits, honeysuckle and a characteristic viscous texture. Chardonnay is also finding favor with local producers.