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

On Bordeaux’s Left Bank, near the southern end of the Haut-Médoc, lies <strong>Margaux</strong>, one of the most celebrated villages in the world of wine. Margaux is home to Château Margaux, the revered first-growth property, as well as 20 more Grand Cru Classé estates ranked in the 1855 classification of Bordeaux. The acclaimed wine of Margaux benefits from the diverse soil types in the appellation. In general, Margaux has a very thin layer of topsoil, and the very best vineyards, above the Gironde River, have gravelly soils that encourage deep root growth and allow for good drainage. Because of the variations in soil, Margaux wines can range from delicately flavored to highly concentrated, from medium- to full-bodied. Yet all Margaux wines share a fragrant bouquet, silky texture and remarkable balance. Cabernet Sauvignon dominates in the wines of Margaux, as it does throughout the Left

Cold climate/Elevation 400-500m Beechworth has attracted considerable interest in recent years, generated by the enthusiasm for the reclusive Giaconda wines. The vineyards – taking into account Beechworth’s high level of sunshine hours – are generally planted at altitudes of around 400m. The region is cool with high continentality so site selection is vitally important. The best sites are located away from higher altitude, cold-air drainage channels, with a high risk of frost risk in both spring and autumn. The soils are granitic loams over decomposed gravels and clays. While north or northeasterly slopes may generally be favoured, Giaconda’s vines are planted on protected south-facing slopes. 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