The difference between warm climate and cool climate wine

Wine regions are generally grouped into two major types: warm climate and cool climate.

Warm climate regions have higher temperatures and longer growing seasons, resulting in ripe fruit flavours, lower acidity and higher sugar levels. Grapes varieties that flourish in warmer climates include Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Zinfandel.

Cool climate regions can get just as hot as warm climate regions at the peak of the season, but it’s the fact that the temperatures drop off so quickly towards harvest that makes the wines taste different. Lower temperatures preserve the acidity and produce dry, crisp, and light wines with fresh and zesty flavours.

Nepenthe’s cool climate varieties thrive in the long, slow-growing season, giving the fruit time to develop more complex flavours and aromas.

How does a cool climate affect wine?

In cool climate regions where the sun is not as strong, the grapes grow and ripen slowly, which lowers the sugar content. A vineyard’s precise location can also affect the taste of the wine. Sloping land is ideal as it can provide better drainage and more sunlight exposure, while higher elevations offer frost protection and optimal sunlight.

At Nepenthe, we have three vineyards, each one with its unique terroir and growing conditions:

• Balhannah – The south and east-facing aspect of the vineyards tend to avoid the warm afternoon sun, while the rich, fertile soil produces large canopies which protect the fruit from direct sun exposure. This cool microclimate within the vines makes it perfect for delicate grape varieties like Pinot Noir.
• Charleston – Charleston is located a little bit further east within the Adelaide Hills. The area is dryer, but the temperature is quite cool because of the high altitude. It’s where we grow Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Prosecco, Grüner Veltliner and Albarino. The looser soil in Charleston also makes it ideal for growing red wine grapes.
• Hahndorf – Hahndorf is the highest and coolest of the three vineyards. It’s where we grow our lesser-known grape varieties including, Arneis, Grüner Veltliner and Viognier. The vineyards here also grow Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz. The fruit grown in Hahndorf is elegant but has intense flavour and depth.

Nepenthe’s cool climate grape varieties

The Adelaide Hills is home to some of Australia's best cool-climate and sparkling wines. The diverse landscape and unique microclimates enable an array of grape varieties to thrive, particularly early-ripening varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Shiraz.

Nepenthe’s winery was one of the first to be established in the region and our collection of premium wine, created at the hands of master craftsmen, is a true reflection of the spirit and character of our home. The Adelaide Hills is home to some of Australia's best cool-climate and sparkling wines. The diverse landscape and unique microclimates enable an array of grape varieties to thrive, particularly early-ripening varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Shiraz. Nepenthe’s winery was one of the first to be established in the region and our collection of premium wine, created at the hands of master craftsmen, is a true reflection of the spirit and character of our home.

Cool climate white wines

Sauvignon Blanc: We believe the Adelaide Hills sets the benchmark for Sauvignon Blanc - Australia’s most popular white wine varietal. Cooler temperatures and longer ripening periods come together to produce a wine that exudes elegance and vibrancy, with nuanced acidity and balanced flavours of citrus, tropical fruit, and herbs.

Pair it with sushi, shellfish, light white fish, zingy salads, or goat’s cheese.

Our pick:

• 2022 Nepenthe Elevation Sauvignon Blanc

Learn more: Our Comprehensive Guide To Sauvignon Blanc 

Chardonnay: Our rich and complex Chardonnay has lively stone fruit flavours perfectly complemented by nutty and sweet spice undertones. The crisp acidity, textural mid-palate and long, zesty finish exude elegance and refinement. Our winemakers carefully select the fruit from the different sub-regions of the Adelaide Hills to create both oaked and unoaked Chardonnays that highlight the distinctiveness of our region.

Pair it with roast chicken, pasta with cream-based sauces, grilled salmon, or brie and camembert.

Our pick:

• 2021 Nepenthe Apex Chardonnay

Learn more: Our Comprehensive Guide to Chardonnay

Grüner Veltliner: A variety with Austrian origins, our Grüner Veltliner is crafted in a modern Australian style and is a crisp, dry, and refreshing white wine with a vibrant palate of pineapple, grapefruit, nectarine and sweet spice. Grüner Veltliner has excellent ageing potential and can develop more complex and nuanced flavours over time. 

Pair it with pork schnitzel, smoked salmon, grilled asparagus, Asian food, or gouda. 

Our pick: 

• 2020 Nepenthe Pinnacle Grüner Veltliner 

Pinot Gris: Pinot Gris grapes have a unique greyish-blue, light-purple hue, which explains the grape's name, "gris" in French. It’s a light-bodied wine perfect for summertime sipping and pairs well with a variety of foods. Our Pinot Gris boasts delightful nashi pear, green apple, and citrus flavours and finishes with a persistent and textured mouthfeel.

Pair it with fish, shellfish, ceviche, chicken salad, or gruyere.

Our pick:

• 2022 Nepenthe Altitude Pinot Gris