Viticultural information
Climate
With the constant threat and frequent occurrence of spring frosts, recurring
droughts in spring and summer, a high diurnal temperature range (cold
nights and hot summer days), and a generally cool harvest season, the
region has one of the most strongly continental climates in Australia.
It is a climate of extremes and one where irrigation is highly desirable if any semblance of yield consistency is to be maintained. Nevertheless, it is here that Riesling, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and quite often Pinot Noir all produce wines of considerable personality.
Some of the region’s vineyards are planted on near-alpine slopes and cool autumn temperatures contribute to typical cool-climate wines, tending to the austere and elegant. Lower down the slopes, spilling into New South Wales, winemakers create fine, full-flavoured Chardonnays and Shiraz.
Soil
The topography of the region is quite varied with undulating hills and
distant views of the Snowy Mountains forming a picturesque backdrop to
many of the vineyards. Slope, aspect and air drainage are all important.
Soils in the district are typically brownish, shallow clay loams, often
overlying shale or clay with a pH ranging from neutral to mildly acidic.
The sub-soils are not particularly water-retentive and thus increase the
need for irrigation
Vital Statistics
Canberra District
Map coordinates 35° 0’S,
Altitude 500 - 850 m (1640 - 2788 feet)
Heat degree days, Oct-Apr 1410(cut off at 19ºC (66.2ºF) but otherwise
not adjusted)
Growing season rainfall, Oct-Apr 360 mm (14.1 inches)
Mean January temperature 20.2º C (68.3ºF)
Relative humidity, Oct-Apr, 3 pm Average 41.5%
Harvest Mid Mar - End A