<p>Warm climate/Elevation 50-200m There are three distinctive soil types: the sandy loams of Blewitt Springs; the darker soils of McLaren Flat; and the terra rossa over limestone soils further back near Chapel Hill. McLaren Vale is often referred to as Australia&rsquo;s mid-palate because of the mid-palate richness of its Shirazes. Famous for its Shiraz, this region also makes good Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays. Langhorne Creek (a short distance south) is one of Australia&rsquo;s oldest wine regions. Significant plantings during the 1990s now makes it Australia&rsquo;s third largest wine producing region. Located on rich alluvial soils, flood irrigation is still used in some vineyards. The cooling breezes from Lake Alexandrina make this area marginally cooler than McLaren Vale. Andrew Caillard MW, Langton's</p>

<p>Colonel William Light, the South Australian colony&rsquo;s Surveyor-General, named the Barossa in 1837 after the site of an English victory over the French in the Spanish Peninsular War. In the mid-1800&rsquo;s Silesian and English immigrants settled in the area. The Barossa itself comprises two distinct sub-regions: Eden Valley and the warmer Barossa Valley floor at 270m.The Barossa Valley enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate characterised by hot dry summers and relatively low rainfall. Cool sea breezes from the Gulf of St Vincent modify the temperature, however hot northerly winds can occasionally dominate creating considerable vine stress. Many older established vineyards are dry-grown, but supplementary irrigation is also extensively used. The valley is comprised of rich brown soils and alluvial sands. A long history of uninterrupted viticulture in the area means the Barossa valley

Hot dry climate/Elevation 140m This region is famous for inexpensive fortified and table wines. In 1982 De Bortoli released its Botrytis Semillon ‘Sauternes’ creating consternation among wine critics. It appeared ludicrous that this region could make a dessert wine of such finesse and quality. The wine, with almost two decades of production, continues to enhance its reputation for sheer consistency and quality. The region is hot and dry with plentiful sunshine and the vines are planted on medium to heavy clay loams. The vineyards are managed to ensure a high level of humidity between the vines to promote botrytis. Andrew Caillard MW, Langton's

Cool climate/Elevation 60-250m In the south around Denmark, the climate is maritime influenced becoming more continental inland. The result is quite a variation of temperatures in the growing season, particularly around Mount Barker and Frankland River. Inland vineyards are generally located on higher elevations above the salty water table. The ripening season is similar to the Medoc. It is therefore no surprise that Cabernet Sauvignon and even Merlot do particularly well, especially around Mount Barker and Porongurup. There are also some exceptional Shirazes. Frankland River has a strong reputation for its Riesling. Rainfall is significantly higher around Denmark. This district is particularly suitable to Chardonnay. Andrew Caillard MW, Langton's