Langhorne Creek Wine

Langhorne Creek is a wine region within the Fleurieu zone of South Australia. It is located in the northeast of the peninsula with Lake Alexandria in its southern fringes and the vineyards extending north towards the town which shares the region's name. (© Proprietary Content, Wine-Searcher) It is one of Australia's most historic winegrowing areas with the oldest established wineries dating back to the mid 19th century. The modern day wine trade is a mix of large multinational corporations as well as boutique wineries with their own cellar doors. 

The region's grape-growing conditions are unique in a sense that it sits on an ancient flood plain created by the Angas and Bremer rivers which makes the soils predominantly of alluvial nature. The flood plain also ensures that the local vineyards can be naturally flood-irrigated by the rain water flowing down from the Mount Lofty Ranges. This is quite distinct as water availability in other parts of the state is a major constraint on viticulture. Another unique feature is the area's temperate climate with moderates temperatures throughout the growing season, assisted by the cool breezes from the lake as well as the southerlies blowing from the Southern Ocean. All these add up to make the fertile plains of Langhorne Creek a mild region with a long ripening season. (Copyright material, Wine-Searcher)

The region's wine portfolio is limited as compared to some of its neighbors. Primarily, it is 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 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 the local producers.