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.[1]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.[3][4] Although the region produces just two percent of total Australian wine grape production, it produces over 20 percent of Australia's premium wine market.[5][6] The principal
grape varieties are split 40/60 between red and white;
Cabernet Sauvignon,
Chardonnay,
Sauvignon Blanc,
Semillon,
Shiraz,
Merlot and
Chenin Blanc.[3][7]
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.[8][9]
Clarke, Oz (2004). Oz Clarke's Australian Wine Companion: An essential guide for all lovers of Australian wine. London: Websters/Time Warner Books UK. pp. 6–33, 122–141.
ISBN0316728748.
Forrestal, Peter, ed. (1999). Discover Australia: Wineries. Milsons Point, NSW: Random House Australia. pp. 12–27, 247–263.
ISBN0091837898.
Forrestal, Peter; Jordan, Ray (2017). The Way it Was: A history of the early days of the Margaret River wine industry. Witchcliffe, WA: Margaret River Press.
ISBN9780648027539.
Scott, Jane; Negus, Patricia (2011). Stories from the Cellar Door: Fifty Margaret River Wineries Tell Their Tales. North Fremantle, WA: Cape to Cape Publishing.
ISBN9780980333763.
Wiltshire, Trea (2000). Margaret River. Australian Wine Regions series. Singapore: R. Ian Lloyd Productions.
ISBN9810426747.
Zekulich, Michael (2000). Wine Western Australia (all new ed.). Perth: St George Books.
ISBN0867780614.