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In the world of winemaking, climate is everything. The geology, landscape, soil and, most importantly, the temperature of a region are pivotal factors in a wine's expression. And when the climatic conditions harmoniously come together, and skilled viticulturist and master winemakers lend their expertise, the result is a bountiful harvest of quality grapes and an exceptional vintage.
At Nepenthe, our home is nestled in the cool climate of the Adelaide Hills, where we are blessed with the combination of high altitude, cool temperatures, and fertile soils that create a variety of microclimates within the region – perfect for cultivating a diverse array of grapes. In this guide, we uncover our wonderfully diverse range of cool climate wine styles to help you find the ones that match your taste preferences.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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:
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:
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:
Pinot Noir: Pinot Noir is the quintessential cool climate red wine and captures the unique flavours, aromas and essence of the Adelaide Hills. Our Pinot Noir is light-bodied and easy-drinking and displays raspberry and cherry notes accompanied by hints of dried herbs and sweet spice. It has a beautifully rounded palate that is long and persistent, with an elegant and velvety finish.
Pair it with roast pork or turkey, mushroom risotto, pasta with tomato-based sauce, or taleggio cheese.
Our pick:
Learn more: Our Comprehensive Guide To Pinot Noir
Shiraz: Australia is celebrated for producing some of the world’s best Shiraz, especially in warmer regions such as the Barossa Valley and Hunter Valley. However, our premium Shiraz, produced in the diverse microclimates of the Adelaide Hills, has all the signature rich and spicy dark fruit flavours of Shiraz but has a slightly lighter body and carefully balanced complexity that provides a smooth and elegant drinking experience.
Pair it with grilled or barbecued red meat, hearty stews, pasta with slow-cooked ragu, or aged cheddar.
Our pick:
Tempranillo: Originally from Spain, Tempranillo is a versatile red grape that produces wines ranging from fruity to complex and oak-aged. Tempranillo wines typically have moderate tannins, medium-high acidity, and fruity flavours like cherry, plum, and fig. When aged in oak barrels, it gains notes of vanilla, toast, and spice. Our Tempranillo is a rich and elegant wine with intense berry flavours, hints of herbs and sweet spice, and a long and velvety finish.
Pair it with tapas, pizza, lasagna, Mexican food, or manchego cheese.
Our pick:
To truly experience the magic of cool climate wines produced here in the picturesque Adelaide Hills, come visit Nepenthe's newly renovated cellar door. Our state-of-the-art building maximises our iconic location with floor-to-ceiling windows, a spacious deck, and a barrel room that opens directly onto the lawn, so you can sip our delicious wines while taking in the breathtaking views of our vineyards and rolling hills.
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