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McLaren Vale

Australia
Top Subregions: McLaren Vale

Region Description

McLaren Vale is an important wine-producing region in the Fleurieu Peninsula, south of Australian. It is renowned for its award-winning Shiraz, as well as other grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Mourvedre, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. McLaren Vale has a long and proud history of winemaking, with the first vines planted in the region in 1838. The region’s first commercial winery, Bleasdale, was established in 1850, and the region has been producing quality wines ever since. In the early 1900s, McLaren Vale was one of the most important wine regions in Australia, and it continues to be a major player in the Australian wine industry today.

Beautiful landscape of McLaren Vale wine region

Grapes & Wine Styles

McLaren Vale is best known for its Shiraz, which is the region’s signature variety. Other popular varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, and Mourvèdre. The region is also known for its fortified wines, such as Muscat and Tawny.

Notable Producers

The best wines come from very old vines, some planted more than 100 years ago, and are prized for their low yields and concentrated fruit. The region produces award-winning Shiraz wines, as well as other varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Mourvedre, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. It also produces regional and international specialties such as Merlot, Zinfandel, Tempranillo, Sangiovese and Viognier.

Fun Fact about McLaren Vale
McLaren is home to some of the oldest grapevines in the world. Some of the vines in McLaren Vale date back over 100 years, and are still producing fruit today. One such vineyard, called "The Old Block," is home to Shiraz vines that were planted in 1858, making them some of the oldest commercial grapevines in the world.

Top Wines from McLaren Vale

Bottle of d'Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz from search results

d'Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz

d'Arenberg

User Rating:
4.1
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.8
This is a bold and intense Australian Shiraz from d'Arenberg, one of McLaren Vale's leading wineries. It has a deep, dark ruby color with a nose of dark fruits, licorice, and spice. The palate is full-bodied and lushly textured, with a core of blackberry, plum, and dark chocolate flavors. The tannins are firm, yet smooth, and the finish is long, with lingering notes of black pepper and coffee. Enjoy this wine now, or cellar for up to ten years for an even more intense flavor experience.
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Food Pairing:
Beef
Lamb
Chocolate Dessert
Dessert
Pork
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$41.99
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5 Vintages Available
Bottle of Two Hands Angels' Share Shiraz from search results

Two Hands Angels' Share Shiraz

Two Hands

User Rating:
4.0
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.3
The Two Hands Angels' Share Shiraz is a bold, full-bodied Australian red wine that offers an array of complex flavors. On the nose, the wine has aromas of ripe blackberry, dark chocolate, cedar, and spice. On the palate, the Two Hands Angels' Share Shiraz is intense and powerful, with blackberry and plum flavors framed by a hint of baking spice and dark chocolate. Rich tannins and a lengthy finish complete the picture. This is a great wine to enjoy with a flavorful steak or mushroom-based dish.
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Food Pairing:
Beef
Pork
Vegetable
Cheese
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$31.81
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5 Vintages Available
Bottle of d'Arenberg The Stump Jump Grenache - Shiraz - Mourvedre from search results

d'Arenberg The Stump Jump Grenache - Shiraz - Mourvedre

d'Arenberg

User Rating:
3.7
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.0
d'Arenberg The Stump Jump Grenache - Shiraz - Mourvedre is a delicious red wine produced by d'Arenberg, a renowned winery in McLaren Vale, Australia. The grapes are sourced from vineyards with unique soil and climate conditions, resulting in a wine with complex flavors and aromas. The winemaking process involves traditional techniques, including open-top fermentation and aging in oak barrels, which adds depth and complexity to the wine. The Stump Jump Grenache - Shiraz - Mourvedre is a medium-bodied wine with a vibrant ruby color and a bouquet of red fruits, spices, and herbs. On the palate, it offers a perfect balance of fruitiness, acidity, and tannins, making it a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes.
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Food Pairing:
Beef
Vegetable
Cheese
Pork
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$11.99
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3 Vintages Available
Bottle of Wirra Wirra Church Block Cabernet Sauvignon - Shiraz - Merlot from search results

Wirra Wirra Church Block Cabernet Sauvignon - Shiraz - Merlot

Wirra Wirra

User Rating:
3.8
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.0
Wirra Wirra Church Block Cabernet Sauvignon - Shiraz - Merlot is a premium red wine produced by Wirra Wirra, a renowned winery located in McLaren Vale, Australia. The wine is a blend of three classic grape varieties - Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Merlot - sourced from the winery's own vineyards. The vineyards are situated in a unique location with a Mediterranean climate, which allows for the grapes to ripen slowly and develop complex flavors. The winemaking process involves careful selection of the grapes, gentle pressing, and aging in oak barrels to enhance the wine's structure and complexity. The resulting wine is a full-bodied, rich and complex red with notes of blackcurrant, plum, and spice, making it a perfect match for hearty meat dishes.
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Food Pairing:
Beef
Burger, Sandwich And Wrap
Cheese
Game
Pasta
Vegetable
Pork
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$34.99
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1 Vintage Available
Bottle of d'Arenberg The Hermit Crab Viognier - Marsanne from search results

d'Arenberg The Hermit Crab Viognier - Marsanne

d'Arenberg

User Rating:
3.8
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.0
d'Arenberg's The Hermit Crab Viognier-Marsanne is an Australian white wine hailing from the renowned McLaren Vale region. Crafted by the iconic d'Arenberg winery, known for its commitment to traditional winemaking techniques, this blend harmoniously fuses Viognier and Marsanne grapes. The wine undergoes minimal intervention during the winemaking process, preserving the natural complexity of the fruit. The Hermit Crab presents a lively nose of apricots, peaches, and floral notes, complemented by undertones of almond and spice. On the palate, it's medium-bodied, textural, and well-balanced, offering a delightful interplay of fruit and acidity. This is a versatile wine that captures the essence of its varietals and the terroir from which it originates.
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Food Pairing:
Salad
Fish
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$16.99
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3 Vintages Available