regions swelter at the height of Summer, the Great Southern Ocean keeps the worst of the weather at bay here. Historically, that was not always a plus, when international tastes demanded wines that relied more on power than complexity for their appeal. But the times, they are a changin’, with tastes moving towards elegance and finesse, and increasingly focussed on lighter wines of any colour. Limestone Coast is, in many ways, also blessed thanks to the distinctive qualities its various regions have that are well suited to quite a wide range of grape varieties, the region’s sweet spot. While the suitability of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz to Coonawarra and Wrattonbully are well documented, and the styles have remained fairly consistent, there is plenty more from the Limestone Coast to get excited about, as there is significant exploration with other grape varieties and a gradual honing of regional styles. Mount Gambier is a perfect case in point, with only a handful of vineyards which, matched with thoughtful winemaking well suited to the fruit style and chemistry, are crafting cutting-edge wines, no doubt assisted by the unique volcanic soils. This year the Riesling and Chardonnay from Ottelia were absolute standouts, in delicate and finely tuned wines with thrilling acidity, although Sauvignon Blanc has also made its mark in past vintages. Over the last decade, as local winemakers have gained experience, a more confident winemaking style has emerged, which makes Mount Gambier one of the most fascinating regions, which will undoubtedly become much more widely known in the coming years. All it needs is a greater number of vineyards to really make its mark. You can also feel the movement in other parts of the Limestone Coast – a reshuffling of chairs as the local winemakers find their modern voice. Padathway has a very proud history, particularly with Chardonnay made under the Lindemans and more recently Landaire brands, and it remains a vital although often hidden fruit source in many well known red and white wines. The potential is here for sure, with occasional wines hinting at a strong future. The same could be said around Robe and Mount Benson. Based on a significant agricultural property, Wangolina have quickly given a new modern edge to the regional brands through slick wines and a no-holds-barred approach to varietal experimentation. With a seemingly never-ending range of both classic and alternate varietals, Anita Goode is testing the local terroirs to find the best options, helping to elevate the Limestone Coast brand as a whole. This year there were plenty of hits, particularly for white wines, including Grüner Veltliner and Fiano, with a notable red Mencia also starring. What Anita is achieving from young vines is quite remarkable and, again, highly promising for the future of these regions.
South Australia Wine Guide 2026 | Limestone Coast
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