The Barossa Valley
is undoubtedly Australia's most famous wine region. This wine region is situated about an hour's drive north of Adelaide, an ideal distance or a day tour.
The name was given to the area by explorer Colonel Light based on the supposed similarity of the Barossa Range to a similar range in Spain. The region is most notable for its red wines, particularly those made from Shiraz. But as we shall see, other grape varieties, both red and white play an important role in the vineyards and wineries here.
The region generally
about three hundred metres above sea level, but the altitude of many of the vineyards
is much higher. In the lower and warmer areas, red wine predominates
while on the cooler higher slopes Riesling is common. In fact the Barossa abuts
the Eden Valley wine region which is regarded as one of the premier regions
for Riesling.
The
history of the region is inextricably linked to the influence
of the German immigrants who were encouraged to settle in the region by local
landowner George Angas. Many of these migrants were Lutherans from Silesia,
who were suffering persecution in their homeland. By the 1850s viticulture was
well established in the valley. Among these migrants were Johann Gramp who planted
the first vineyard of the region at Jacobs Creek in 1847 and Joseph Seppelt,
whose name lives on in a famous Australian wine brand name.
Visiting
the Barossa
The
Barossa Valley is easily visited on a day trip from Adelaide, but this wine region
has so many wineries that you should consider at least an overnight stay. The
main towns are Lyndoch, Tanunda, Nuriootpa and Angaston. In these towns and
in the many smaller villages you will find a large range of accommodation options
including resorts, hotels, motels, cottages, guesthouses, caravan parks and
camping grounds.
When
you are planning your Barossa Valley tour you should also make sure you try
some of the regional food specialties. The local butchers and gourmet food shops
will provide you with the Barossa version of some German delights. My personal
favourite is the garlic mettwurst.
The region is also home to food writer and TV personality Maggie
Beer, whose Farm Shop will sell you such delights as quince paste, local olives
and Sangiovese verjuice.
As
is fitting in such an area, there many dining options, including restaurants at
some of the wineries which will provide you with opportunities to try the local
fare.
Use the search box below to help plan your Barossa Valley Wine Tour
Wines
of the Barossa Valley
The
wines of the region are dominated by reds made from either Shiraz or Cabernet,
but if you are looking for a different experience then there is plenty of diversity
to explore. The varietal profile of region is similar to that of the Rhone Valley,
with the predominant Shiraz being supplemented by Grenache, Mourvedre, and more
recently Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne are being introduced.
As
the table below indicates Grenache is the leading minor variety here. It is
used as a straight varietal wine, but perhaps more commonly in blends with Shiraz
and Mourvedre. The latter variety is also known as Mataro, but the French version
of its name is now almost universally preferred. Mourvedre is almost never used
as a straight varietal but is rather used in blends.
Grenache
is also used to produce some excellent rose wines.
Perhaps
the most interesting innovator in the region is Robin Day who has plantings
of Viognier, Sangiovese, Saperavi, Lagrein, Gargenega and Sangrantino at his
Domaine Day vineyard.
Yalumba
at Angaston is the acknowledged leader of the pack with its Viognier, but is
also growing Cienna, Marsanne and Tempranillo.
Another
regional innovator is Kabminye Wines who make a wine called Irma Adeline which
is a blend of six Rhone varieties, namely Shiraz, Mourvedre, Grenache, Marsanne,
Roussanne and Ugni blanc (Trebbiano).
Some alternative varieties that you may find in the Barossa Valley and the wineries
using them
1847 Petit verdot
B3 Wines Grenache, Mourvedre
Balthazar Grenache, Mourvedre, Viognier
Barossa Ridge Petit verdot
Barossa Valley Estate Grenache
Basedow Grenache
Bethany Grenache
Biscay Wines Grenache, Viognier
Burge Family Winemakers Grenache, Mourvedre
Charles Melton Grenache, Meunier, Mourvedre, Muscadelle, Pedro Ximenez
