Pemberton Region

Location
Zone - South West Australia
State - Western Australia

Map Reference
Latitude 34 degrees and 27 minutes South
Longitude 116 degrees and 01 minutes East

Elevation
50 - 200 metres above sea level

Subregions
Nil

Introduction
Situated in the south west of Western Australia, west of the Great Southern region and south east of the Margaret River, around the town of Pemberton. This opulently timbered region was first planted with vines experimentally in 1977; commercial vineyards followed in 1982 and in the 1990's enjoyed rapid growth.

Primary Grape Varieties

White
Chardonnay 70 ha
Sauvignon Blanc 45 ha
Verdelho 40 ha
Semillon 15 ha
Other 15 ha
Total White 185 ha

Red
Cabernet Sauvignon 40 ha
Pinot Noir 40 ha
Merlot 30 ha
Shiraz 20 ha
Other 5 ha
Total Red 135 ha

Primary Wine Styles

Verdelho
The variety does well here, producing wines with striking tropical fruit flavours and the smoothed mouth feel that is characteristic of the variety.

Chardonnay
By far the most widely planted variety and the most successful across the entire region in terms of style and quality. It produces opulently flavoured and structured wines, with an almost creamy texture that integrates well with the generous use of quality French oak.

Pinot Noir
Substantial quantities of both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are used for sparkling wine, with good results. These are early days yet, and some good Pinot Noirs have been made, but only time will tell.

Merlot
On its own, or blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, is yet to prove itself to be more suitable to the region than Pinot Noir.