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Mount Benson, on the western Limestone Coast of South Australia, is located about 200 miles (322km) south of the state capital, Adelaide, and halfway between the small town of Kingston and the fishing port of Robe. It is one of the smallest regions in the Limestone Coast zone and also one of its youngest, with the first commercial vineyards planted only in 1989. Since then, the region's wine industry has witnessed a steady growth with many well-known local and international names setting up operations here – most notably, Michel Chapoutier of Rhone Valley in France. Based on its overall potential as a quality winegrowing region, Mount Benson was accorded the GI (Geographical Indication) as a region in 1997.
The region's proximity to the Southern Ocean gives it a cool maritime climate. Varying altitudes of 164ft (50m) near the coast along Cape Jaffa, up to about 490ft (149m) inland, add to the difference in climatic and growing conditions. The effects of the ocean make the summer temperatures cooler than, say, Coonawarra in the east, at an average 66F (19C). This results in a longer growing season with more hang time for the grapes – producing a rich and complex fruit profile. This is one of the features which attract quality winegrowers to Mount Benson.
Another important factor affecting Mount Benson's wines is the signature 'terra rosa' red clay soil of the Limestone Coast. Since Coonawarra claims the rights to this prized term, the local wine trade has come up with its own phrase – 'terra rosa by the sea' – to make the most of this geological feature.
Shiraz is the most successful grape here, producing intensely flavored wines; the best examples come from the lower-yielding vines. Its iconic status has come as a result of many award winning wines as well as the brand Chapoutier's involvement. The northern Rhone practice of enhancing the style of these wines by adding a proportion of Viognier is also quite popular here. Cabernet Sauvignon is the other main red grape variety. Sauvignon Blanc is the white grape of choice, due to the cooler growing conditions, and produces some of the best wines from this variety in Australia. The region also specializes in the production of high-quality Chardonnay.
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