Margaret River is the major geographical indication wine region in southwest Western Australia, with 5,840 hectares under vine and 215 wineries as at 2012. Margaret River wine region is made up predominantly of boutique size wine producers; although winery operations range from the smallest crushing 3.5 tonne per year to the largest around 2,500 tonne. The climate of Margaret River is more strongly maritime-influenced than any other major Australian region. It has the lowest mean annual temperature range, of only 7.6 °C, and as well as the most marked Mediterranean climate in terms of rainfall, with only 200 millimetres of the annual 1160 millimetres falling between October and April. The low diurnal and seasonal temperature range means an unusually even accumulation of warmth. Overall the climate is similar to that of Bordeaux in a dry vintage.Campbell Mattinson, 'Why the French hate us', Hardie Grant Books 2007 Although the region produces just two percent of total Australian wine grape production, it produces over 20 percent of Australia's premium wine market.The Australian and New Zealand wine industry directory, 27th Annual edition, 2009, Winetitles. The principal grape varieties are split 40/60 between red and white; Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc, Sémillon, Shiraz, Merlot and Chenin Blanc.Oz Clarke, 'Oz Clarke's Pocket Wine Guides', Harcourt 1 November 2002
Sub-regions There are no official Margaret River subregions, although in 1999 viticultural scientist Dr John Gladstones presented a paper suggesting there should be six subregions based on climate and soil differences namely: Yallingup, Carbunup, Wilyabrup, Treeton, Wallcliffe and Karridale.Gladstones, John (2016). Viticulture and EnvironmentRevised Edition. Tanunda, South Australia: Trivinum Press.
Most widely harvested varieties by tonnes crushed +Vintage 2021 Sauvignon blanc 6,886 Cabernet Sauvignon 6,414 Chardonnay 5,371 Sémillon 5,284 Shiraz 3,739 Merlot 1,180Chenin Blanc871
Wineries
A sample of the wine producers in the Margaret River Wine Region include:
See also
Western Australian wine
References Citations
Sources Web sources
Books
External links
Australia's South West: The Margaret River wine region