Wine regions - Langhorne Creek

Langhorne Creek   South Australia

Langhorne Creek is a little known region with major importance, especially for the production of red wine. Fragrant Cabernet Sauvignon with its minty overtones is the most significant product of the region.

Langhorne Creek Region, within the Fleurieu Zone is just south of Adelaide. Lake Alexandria marks its southern edge and the vineyards extend 40 km north to the township of Langhorne Creek.

The region features Lake Alexandria, Australia's largest permanent freshwater lake and a natural flood plain, the soil of which is fine, fertile and deep, having been deposited by the Bremer and Angus rivers over aeons, thus making it a very good region for horticultural production in general.

In the past decade vineyard plantings have increased significantly on ground above the flood plain. These vineyards use drip and sub-surface irrigation, playing a major role in the region's water and environmental management system. The vineyards within the flood plain continue to utilise natural floodwaters through a controlled system of flood gates. These waters are an important source of nutrients.

The climate is characterised by low winter-dominant rainfall and, due to the cooling breezes from the lake, moderate daytime temperatures during the growing season. This feature gives Langhorne Creek recognition as an ideal viticultural area.

Viticulture dates from the 1850s when Frank Potts established Bleasdale the region's only winery to stay in continuous production. The region was kicked started again by Wolf Blass and Lindemans and over the past ten years a number of big players have established vineyards there.

The boutique wineries in the region are also putting Langhorne Creek on the international wine map. Casa Freshci with its premimum red blends, Cabernet Sauvignon from Bremerton, and Shiraz from Lake Breeze and Brothers in Arms. They are just four of the stars from a growing constellation that includes Raydon Estate, Oddfellows, Angas Plains, Cleggett and the organic wine producer Temple Bruer.

Key grape varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Chardonnay and Verdelho. In recent years, Sangiovese and Grenache have strongly featured in the region's wines

Langhorne Creek is also the home of a rare mutation of Cabernet Sauvignon. Cleggett Wines has planted a few hectares of the white grape (Shalistin) and bronze grape (Malian). These are rare sports (vines) which make the novelty white and light red styles of Cabernet Sauvignon.

For the wine enthusiast there are cellars doors, some excellent eateries and a number of events held annually including, Jazz on the Bremer in April; Winemakers Showcase in May; Winemakers Art Exhibition in September and Vigneron's Cup Race Day in November. Other attractions include sailing and birdwatching.

Harvest time: late March to late April

Vintage Report 2008

Again it was an early, compressed vintage period for Langhorne Creek with harvesters rolled out at the start of February and all but packed away by the end of March.  2008 has been a vintage of extremes and logistical chaos to say the least, but resulting in a surprisingly good tonnage and some excellent parcels of fruit.  Above average yields for most white varieties in particular.

The first half of the vintage was tremendous with excellent, mild and dry, climatic conditions throughout February resulting in high natural acidity and flavour development in white varieties and wonderful characters in early-mid ripening Shiraz and Malbec.  Outstanding Chardonnay, Verdelho and Sauvignon Blanc expected from the 2008 Langhorne Creek vintage as well as some ‘cracking' Shiraz and ‘superb' Malbec, to quote local vignerons.

As with many South Australian wine regions this year, the second half of vintage would be best described as varying between terrific and disastrous as the record breaking March heat wave gripped the state.  Fifteen consecutive days pushing the mercury above 35 degrees Celsius pushed growers, wineries, freight and harvesting contractors to their limits.  With fruit dehydration and sugar levels never before experienced, by growers or winemakers, the pressure was on to harvest quickly and minimise damage if at all possible.  The fall out of all this? It is estimated the last 20-30% of the vintage was severely heat affected.  Cabernet Sauvignon in particular suffered across the region.

It was certainly a very harsh way to end a vintage that, fortunately, flew out of the starting gates!

Overall a vintage of extremes with excellent whites, a good amount of superb quality Shiraz and Malbec and other early reds, concluding with a mix of terrific, and sadly, ultimately lost Cabernet Sauvignon and later ripening reds.

Vintage 2008 will be one to remember!

Sites with more information:

• Langhorne Creek