Geographe Region

Location
 Zone - South West Australia
State - Western Australia

Map Reference
 Latitude 33 degrees and 18 minutes South
Longitude 115 degrees and 38 minutes East

Elevation
 0 - 200 metres above sea level

Subregions
 Nil

Introduction
 The Geographe region is an area of considerable beauty and even greater variation in its landscape. The force is the West Australian flora, magnificent gum trees and the spectacular, ever-present native shrubs and flowers.

First is the true coastal sector, stretching from Busselton to Bunbury, and with the lush, peaceful Capel River at its centre. Wholly maritime-influenced by the warm Indian Ocean, its climate is similar to that of the northern part of the Margaret River, although the soil types vary considerably - the richer alluvial soils around Capel leading to exceptionally vigorous vine growth.

Second is the Donnybrook area, which has a distinctly different climate as it is cut off from the maritime influence of the Indian Ocean by Whicher ranges.

Third is the Fergusson Valley; here, early success with Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon has led to rapid expansion in plantings.

The less populated Geographe region is steadily increasing in attraction for visitors, however not to the extent as the nearby Margaret River region continues to grow, receiving ever more wine tourists year by year.
Primary Grape Varieties
White
 Chardonnay
Semillon
Sauvignon Blanc
Riesling
Verdelho
Total White 480 ha
Red
 Shiraz
Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Noir
Total Red 720 ha
Primary Wine Styles

Chardonnay
The ever-present Chardonnay is spread everywhere in the region, producing wines which reflect the varying site climates. The cooler sites produce wines with intense grapefruit characters, the warmer sites veering through melon to butter and cashews. All develop well in bottle over the medium term.

Semillon
It is surprising to find that Semillon is the second most widely planted variety and it is typically blended with Sauvignon Blanc, producing a crisp, tangy wine with grassy and herbal tinges.

Riesling
Produced excellent Rieslings over the years. The wines generously compensate for cellaring for five years or longer, acquiring complexity but not losing their nucleus of citrus flavours.

Shiraz
The most important grape, offered as a varietal wine and also used in multi-blends. The weight and extract varies substantially from more robust style to softer and perhaps more elegant but each with a foundation of cherry and mint fruit.

Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon, whether blended or not, tends to be finer and more delicate than the Margaret River, with soft, fine tannins. The spread of plantings inland from the coast do result in more diverse styles.