Canberra District Region

Location
Zone - Southern New South Wales
State - New South Wales


Map Reference
Latitude 35 degrees and 20 minutes South
Longitude 149 degrees and 10 minutes East


Elevation
500 - 800 metres above sea level

Subregions
Nil

Introduction
In the vicinity of Lake George Dr Edgar Reck planted the first vines in 1971, followed mainly by wine enthusiasts from the scientific community, most with Doctorates. By 1974 the Canberra District Vignerons Association was founded, and now has over 20 members.

Overall, growth has been steady rather than spectacular, and the general quality of the wines has been equally modest. The arrival of BRL Hardy has acted as a catalyst for change and the planting of vines by BRL Hardy in the centre of the Canberra racecourse is an interesting concept.

The overall quality and range of the Canberra District wines has improved significantly in the last 25 years, and the best wines can exonerate themselves with honour in national competition against small boutique wineries.

Primary Grape Varieties

White

Chardonnay 150ha
Riesling 25ha
Sauvignon Blanc 25ha
Semillon 5ha

Total White 205ha

Red

Cabernet Sauvignon 150ha
Shiraz 80ha
Pinot Noir 50ha
Merlot 20ha

Total Red 300ha

Primary Wine Styles

Riesling
For many of the wineries Chardonnay is the most important white wine but Riesling produced here has personality and regional individuality. The best part is made as a crisp, lightly toasty and dry style. Reserved yields ensure that the wines age well in bottle for up to ten years.

Chardonnay
The ever-present Chardonnay does well in the region, producing wines of good quality and complexity. Soft fig and stone fruit flavours are prominent, which contentedly support liberal use of new oak.

Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon
Striking, moderately herbaceous wines are made from these varieties, frequently blended. The wines have good structure, with the best flavours appearing in the cooler vintages.

Cabernet Sauvignon
Made as a single varietal wine, but progressively more blended with Merlot. Varied climatic conditions, which change from one vintage to the next, make generalisations about regional style difficult. The weight and flavours varies from light, leafy and minty to rich, concentrated and chocolaty.

Shiraz
Several wineries produce spectacularly good examples with scent of spice, black cherry and liquorice.