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 Coriole wines
McLaren Vale, South Australia
Coriole wines: Some background...
The
Vineyard
The Coriole Estate Vineyards are situated at an
altitude of 150m in the hills to the north of the McLaren Vale township. The
average age of the vineyards is 30 — 35 years, with the oldest block
having been planted in 1919. The majority of the vineyard is situated on south
facing slopes.
The soil is predominantly red clay over capped
limestone. The red clay varies from being almost non-existent to about 1m deep.
There is one strip of soil, housing the 1919 plantings, which is deep alluvial
soil. Summer daytime temperatures hover between 20° and 37° C, after
cool nights. Various trellising methods are used, ranging from single cordon to
Scott Henry. Our preference for new plantings is to use a VSP (vertical shoot
positioning) system. This is a single cordon wire with foliage wires to lift
the canopy and optimise the balance of shade and sun. Increasingly the entire
vineyard is being converted to the VSP system.
Average yields
are approx. 3t an acre. Flowering generally begins in late October with the
Sangiovese variety, and commences in late November with the Shiraz. Harvest
usually begins in late February with Sauvignon Blanc or early low yielding
Shiraz. The majority of the Shiraz is harvested through March and April.
Sangiovese is the latest ripening variety.
Red
Grapes
Shiraz rules supreme in this region, producing a range of
diverse and interesting wines from within the many different micro-climates
that make up McLaren Vale. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are also commonly
grown in McLaren Vale now, with interest in Italian varieties such as
Sangiovese and Nebbiolo increasing.
White
Grapes
Although renown world wide for the quality of its’
red wines, large areas of Chardonnay, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc are planted
within the region, and have enjoyed success in recent
years.
Climate
The climate is meditteranean with
a maritime influence due to the proximity of the sea. Cool, wet winters are
followed by warm dry summers, resulting in wines of richness and
depth.
Soil
The soil types within the region
vary greatly, ranging from shallow red brown earths over limestone in the hills
north of McLaren Vale around Coriole. Sandy soils over deep clay at Blewitt
Springs and McLaren Flat. Black bisque soils on the Willunga Flats. Deep clays
and some red brown earths against the Willunga hills.
The
people
McLaren Vale ranks as one of the world's oldest wine
growing areas, successfully retaining its phylloxera-free status. Coriole was
established there by Hugh and Molly Lloyd in 1967, and achieved recognition
rapidly, winning the coveted Wine Bushing King and Queen title in both 1974 and
1975 for making the best Shiraz in McLaren Vale. Mark Lloyd, Hugh and Molly's
second son and ace rock'n'roller, has been running the winery for 20 years now
and his younger brother, Paul, became business manager in 1993. Grant Harrison,
ex Petaluma and Primo Estate, crafts the stunning portfolio of wines. The
average age of the vineyards is 30-35 years old with the oldest block planted
in 1919. The Lloyd Reserve Shiraz is considered amongst Australia's best with
the 1998 vintage its finest yet. (Jeremy Oliver 19.1) Mary Kathleen 1998
obtained a Parker 94 rating. Coriole are also producers of high-quality olive
oil.
More information (Click
on links):
Coriole wines of McLaren Vale: Regional
map
(Click on map to see
all wines on our list from McLaren Vale, Australia):
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