Kangaroo Island vineyards next big thing?
Tuesday September 8, 2009
Wildlife, good food and spectacular - if not also sometimes endangered - flora, are trademarks of this island off the coast of South Australia. And adding to the glorious flora are Kangaroo Island's vineyards with many winos around the country wondering if they will evolve into the next big thing for the Australian wine industry.
Spread throughout the island, nearly thirty vineyards stretch from Cape d'Estaing on the north coast to Dudley Partners on the east. The hub of Kangaroo Island's vineyards string around from the island's main entrance - Kingscote - to Pardana and Vivonne Bay.
Kangaroo Island vines climbing with acclaim
Part of South Australia's Fleurieu Zone, Kangaroo Island's syrupy grape juice owes to the island's topography that is composed of rolling hills and sandy soils upon a limestone base - perfect for growing superb vines.
The other appealing aspect to Kangaroo Island vineyards is their close proximity to the ocean. Being so close to the sea within a maritime climate ensures that the vineyards encounter moderated temperatures from sea breezes. Winters are not too harsh while summer doesn't become exceedingly hot.
Kangaroo Island grape varieties
Grape varieties that grow best in the Kangaroo Island region include Bordeaux grape varieties. You'll find plenty of flourishing Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Shiraz Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec grapes ready for quaffing. You'll also find Vognier that is usually combined with Shiraz for a finished form.
If you want to ensure you taste a brilliant drop then Yakka Jack, composed of Cabernet Franc and Islander Estate's Sangiovese received 94 points in Halliday's Wine Companion in 2008.
Kangaroo Island vineyards
Lashmar Wines grow Cabernet at Antechamber Bay. Neapean Wines grow mostly Chardonnay, Agincourt Partners grow the acclaimed Woolybud label over at Parndana and Rookery Vineyard is renowned for growing exceptional Sangiovese grapes.
Kangaroo Island has two cellar doors for wine aficionados to enjoy. Dudley Partners on the Dudley Peninsular and Sunset Winery at Penneshaw. Two Wheeler Creek, Settler's Plateau Wines and The Islander Estate open by appointment.
More about Kangaroo Island's produce
Kangaroo Island honey
Kangaroo Island has been renowned for produce such as its thick, succulent organic Ligurian honey. With the only remaining colony of pure bred Ligurian bees in Australia, it's flavoured by the bees' diet of shrubs and trees including 30 species of flowering eucalypts.
Kangaroo Island cheese
From the bees to the cheese, Kangaroo Island has long been known for its high quality Mediterranean-style cheeses and yogurt. The sheep diet on locally-grown grain and live a stress-free life grazing along the banks of Gum Creek. What results is entirely hand-made 100 per cent sumptuous sheep milk where every batch is unique.
Kangaroo Island seafood
Caught by local fishermen daily, Kangaroo Island is proud of its deep water premium and managers reserve oysters. Deep water premiums are distinct for being grown in deep, clean water producing a plump oyster in a frilly, ornate shell. Managers reserve oysters are finished in the intertidal section of the farm to harden the shell. This oyster has a whiter appearance.
And you can't leave Kangaroo Island without trying its marron (freshwater crayfish). Coming from one of the larger commercial producing marron farms in Australia, no one leaves without a lazy lunch featuring Kangaroo Island's sweet marron.
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