2010 A review of the unique features of the Orange wine region

Terroir
2010
A review of the unique features of the Orange wine region
NSW - Australia
Orange Region Vignerons Association
Photo: Courtesy of Angullong Wines
Euchareena
Bell River
ORANGE WINE Region
Ilford
Kerrs
Creek
Molong
Garra
M
ac
Mullion
Creek
Parkes
Cookamidgera
Hill
End
Clergate
Manildra
qu
Sofala
ar
ie
Ophir
R
iv
Tu ro
n
Rive
Caperte
r
er
March
Borenore
Cudal
Lewis Ponds
ORANGE
Nashdale
Toogong
Eugowra
La
Portland
ch
la
n
R
iv
Spring
Hill
Cargo
Cadia
Blayney
Canowindra
Gooloogong
Carcoar
Yetholme
Mandurama
Barry
Cowra
Hampton
Rockley
Neville
Ca
Trunkey
Creek
m
pb
el
ls
ve
Ri
r
Oberon
Edith
Figure 1. The Orange wine region in NSW. Source: NSW Department of Industry & Investment
r
Woodstock
Hartley
Fish Riv er
e
s Riv
This map incorporates data which is © Commonwealth of
Australia (Geoscience Australia), 2008, and which is ©
Crown Copyright NSW Land and Property Management
Authority, Bathurst, Australia, 2010. All rights reserved.
Lithgow
O’Connell
C ox
Lyndhurst
Wallerawang
Perthville
Newbridge
Belubula River
Projection: UTM MGA Zone 55. Scale 1:1,250,000.
Produced by the Resource Information Unit, Industry &
Investment NSW, August 2010.
BATHURST
Vittoria
Millthorpe
Panuara
er
Cullen
Bullen
Peel
Lucknow
Mt Canobolas
Cumbijowa
e Rive
r
ORANGE
WINE
Region
The Orange wine region was accepted as a distinct Geographic Area (GI) by
the Australian Wine & Brandy Corporation in 1997. The Orange wine region is
defined as the contiguous (continuous) land above 600m elevation in the Shires
of Cabonne, Blayney and Orange City. This New South Wales Region is within
the Central Ranges Zone and adjacent to the Cowra, Mudgee and Bathurst wine
regions (Figure 1).
Wines of the Orange region have a unique style as a result of the local climate,
soils and topography (terroir). The modern Orange wine industry began to develop
in the early 1980s and now has over 1500ha of winegrapes being grown on some
80 vineyards. Over 40 wine labels are now available in the region. This region
is also a major producer of a range of regional foods within a spectacular rural
landscape and is an exciting destination for wine and food tourism.
Terroir is the French word used to define the features of a wine growing region
that includes its climate, geology, topography and soils which contribute to the
individuality and renown of wines produced there. It also includes the historical and
human effects on site expression of the vineyard and wines produced (Martin 2000).
1
The Orange region has a long history of grape growing
since the town was gazetted in 1846. Early settlers
established fruit orchards that often included table grapes.
Black muscats were mainly grown by settlers of British or
German descent (eg. West, Stanford, Hicks, Carthew, Dale,
Schmich, Bohringer, Offner and Gersbach families) at a
similar time to development of the Mudgee and Bathurst
regions. Over 180ha of table grapes were cultivated by
1925-6 in mainly the Mt Canobolas, Nashdale and Borenore
areas. Later a number of Italian families also came to
the district to become orchardists and grape growers.
Wines were made from these grapes for local sale and the
D’Aquino family has continued such a business since the
mid 1950s. Very little table grape production now occurs
in the region due mostly to earlier varieties in drier,
irrigated areas dominating the fresh market.
Winegrapes were planted at Molong in 1952 by the NSW
Government Viticulturist Harry Manuel as an experimental
vineyard. Cabernet sauvignon and Shiraz were planted
under dryland conditions with success.
The modern Orange region wine industry was pioneered
with early plantings in 1980-1 by the Fardells at Nashdale
(Nashdale Vineyard) and the Bourkes at Millthorpe (Sons
& Brothers). These vineyards were followed in 1983-5 by
the Doyle (Bloodwood), Swanson (Cargo Road Wines) and
Crawford (Forest Edge) families. Other early winegrape
growers included Canobolas-Smith, Highland Heritage,
Ibis and Philip Shaw Wines.
2
Photos: Courtesy of Philip Stevenson
HISTORY
of the Orange
Wine Region
Topography and geology
The Orange region is the highest wine region in Australia, extending from 600m to
over 1000m elevation. This region is quite distinct from the Great Dividing Range
to the east and it also rises some 500m above the surrounding tablelands (Map 1).
This elevated area is dominated by the extinct volcano Mount Canobolas which
lifted and developed above the old sedimentary landforms of the Lachlan Fold
Belt. The Mount Canobolas volcano was at the younger southern end of the
volcanic boomerang that extended from Queensland to Oberon that includes the
Warrumbungles. At least three separate eruptions occurred 11-13 million years ago
above the northwest tending Canobolas Divide (Figure 2). This Divide and now
Mount Canobolas separate the northerly draining Macquarie River catchment from
the southerly draining Lachlan River system.
The first eruption formed a large shield volcano which spread magma over the older
sediments of the region that include limestone, shales, slate, older volcanics and
greywacke. Fluid basalt lava later covered a large area from Borenore to Millthorpe
at mostly the 850-1000m elevation. The last eruption produced slower moving
trachyte lava which formed the steep sided domes at high elevation such as Young
Man Canobolas, Old Man Canobolas and Towac Peak.
Figure 2. Development of Mount Canobolas 11-13 million years ago.
Source: Chan RA. (2003) Bathurst and Forbes 1:250000 Map Sheets, NSW
3
MAP 1 - ELEVATION of the Orange wine Region
Elevation of the Orange Wine Region
149°0'E
149°10'E
Wellington
Council
Mid-Western
Regional
Council
Kerrs
Creek
Molong
Garra
Hill End
Belgravia
Manildra
Clergate
Ophir
March
Borenore
Nashdale
To Eugowra,
35km
Lewis
Ponds
Orange
Bathurst
Regional
Council
Lake
Canobolas
Lucknow
Mt Canobolas
1396 m
Cadia
To Canowindra,
10km
Byng
Shadforth
Eglinton
Spring
Hill
Millthorpe
Cargo
Canomodine
33°20'S
33°20'S
Cudal
33°10'S
Mullion
Creek
To Parkes,
55km
33°30'S
149°30'E
Forest
Reefs
Bathurst
To Sydney,
200km
Panuara
Perthville
Georges
Plains
Blayney
Blayney
Shire
Council
33°30'S
33°0'S
To Dubbo,
100km
Cabonne
Shire Council
33°10'S
149°20'E
33°0'S
148°50'E
Wimbledon
Newbridge
Cowra
Shire
Council
Lyndhurst
Barry
Mandurama
33°40'S
33°40'S
Carcoar
Hobbys
Yards
Neville
Rockley
33°50'S
Woodstock
Trunkey
Creek
To Cowra,
5km
148°50'E
149°0'E
Localities
149°10'E
Roads
Primary Road
Towns
Arterial Road
Townships
Local Gov't Areas
Sub Arterial Road
Elevation (m)
4
Produced by the Resource Information Unit, Industry & Investment NSW, July 2010.
5
10
Kilometres
15
900 - 999
1100 - 1199
700 - 799
0
800 - 899
1000 - 1099
600 - 699
Localities
This map incorporates data which is © Commonwealth of Australia (Geoscience
Australia), 2008, and the Bureau of Meteorology (derived using ANUCLIM software
of the Fenner School of Environment and Society, ANU). The map incorporates
other data which is © Crown Copyright NSW Land and Property Management
Authority, Bathurst, Australia and Department of Environment, Climate Change and
Water. All rights reserved.
149°20'E
Orange Wine Region
Cities
Oberon
Council
To Crookwell,
80km
≥ 1200
20
Projection: UTM MGA Zone 55
149°30'E
Topography and geology (CONTINUED)
Subsequent weathering of this volcanic area has produced a steep to undulating
landscape dissected by many headwater creeks and streams. The base geology is
closely linked to elevation as are the soil types derived from such material.
Sediments from older Lachlan Fold Belt rocks become visible below about 850m.
Limestone rocks and caves (Borenore Caves) can be seen on the western side at
lower elevation (600-700m) as a result of coral/shell deposits at ancient shore lines.
The high elevation of the region provides a cool climate and the sloping country
provides an escape from cold air. Most vineyards are located on hillsides to avoid
cold air channels and are relatively safe from the very low temperatures seen
in valleys below.
Climate and weather
The Orange region has mild summers and cold winters. Weather conditions are
typical of inland NSW but are significantly modified by the high elevation and
proximity to Mount Canobolas. This region is well clear of easterly coastal cloud
and rain that extends from the coast to the Great Dividing Range.
Sunshine
The Orange region claims to have one of the sunniest cool climate wine regions
in Australia with over 9hrs of bright sunshine per day during the growing season
(Very Sunny) with 1872 sunshine hours for October to April. Cool sunshine is vital
to develop high fruit colour and maintain grape flavour. The cold air drainage away
from Mount Canobolas also minimises winter fogs to allow high levels of winter
sun to offset the cold temperatures. High elevation sunshine has increased levels
of ultra-violet light which can increase the levels of phenolics that build flavour,
colour and mouth feel of wine.
5
Temperature
Orange region temperatures change dramatically with elevation. Mean January
temperature (MJT) is 19.15ºC at Millthorpe (960m) but increases to around
21.5ºC at Molong (600m) due to the 0.6ºC temperature increase per 100m fall in
elevation (Figure 3). This temperature band is significantly cooler than adjacent
wine regions Mudgee (454m) at 23.25ºC and Cowra (300m) at 24ºC.
The Orange region also has a continental climate where there is a wide range (15ºC)
between mean summer and winter temperatures. Spring growth begins slowly as the
mean temperature reaches 10ºC in mid September but increases rapidly up to mid
summer. In a similar way autumns cool down quickly with little extra fruit ripening
achieved after mid April.
The harvest of grapes in the region extends from February at 600m elevation to
March/April at higher elevations. The grape harvest is delayed by about one week
for each 100m rise in elevation. Maximum daily temperatures in January range from
30ºC near 600m down to 26ºC at high elevation. Most grapes grown at mid elevations
ripen with 25ºC daytime temperatures – an ideal temperature for premium table wine
production. Aromatic white varieties are generally grown above 800m whereas other
varieties are grown at a range of elevations.
30
25
Canowindra
Cowra ARS
Mudgee
Bathurst ARS
Molong
Orange Agr Inst
Orange Airport
Millthorpe
20
15
10
5
0
Ju
l
A
ug
Se
p
O t
ct
N
ov
D
ec
Ja
n
Fe
b
M
ar
A
pr
M
ay
Ju
n
Mean monthly temperature °C
Orange and adjacent region mean
monthly temperatures ºC
Month
6
Figure 3. Mean monthly temperatures for the Orange and adjacent regions.
The grape growing season extends mostly from October to April. The accumulated
Growing Degree Days (GDD) above 10ºC range from 1200 at 950m elevation to 1670
at 600m elevation. Officially the Orange region is mostly classified as a Mild region
(1201-1500 GDD) as distinct from the Hot and Very Hot regions of Mudgee and
Cowra respectively (Kirk 1986). Figure 4 shows the effect of elevation on the mean
January temperature (MJT) and seasonal Growing Degree Days which impacts on
22.5
22
21.5
21
20.5
20
19.5
19
18.5
18
17.5
Orange region - Elevation, MJT
and GDD
1800
1700
1600
1500
1400
1300
GDD (Days)
MJT°C
ripening time and fruit flavour profiles.
MJT°C
GDD
1200
1100
1000
600
720
863
922
948
960
Elevation m
Figure 4. Growing Degree Days and Mean January Temperatures in the Orange Region.
Rainfall
The Orange region has generally uniform rainfall across the year ranging from
700-950mm (Figure 5). Reliable winter rain usually provides for excellent spring
and summer vine growth. Despite moderate summer rainfall, vine growth slows
prior to ripening in the drier months of autumn. The autumn break in mid March
usually precedes a cold end to the season in late April.
7
Annual rainfall is closely linked to elevation and proximity to Mt Canobolas (Map 2).
Most rain comes from the northwest which falls more heavily on the southeast side of
the mountain. Cool conditions and uniform rainfall enables most elevated vineyards
to crop well with no or minimal irrigation (0-0.5ML/ha). Vineyards at lower elevation
will generally require 1-2ML/ha of irrigation in drier years.
Mean monthly rainfall in the Orange region
100
80
Molong
Orange Agr Inst
Orange Airport
Millthorpe
60
40
n
Ju
ay
M
A
pr
ar
M
n
Fe
b
Ja
ec
D
ov
ct
N
O
Se
A
Ju
l
0
pt
20
ug
Mean monthly rainfall mm
120
Month
Figure 5. Mean monthly rainfall in the Orange region
Humidity
The Orange region is rated as a Humid region with 60-70% Relative Humidity at 9am
in January. This reduces the transpiration stress on vines and their water requirements.
Higher elevation also reduces the water vapour content of the air at similar relative
humidity levels which assists in reducing leaf and fruit moulds.
8
MAP 2 - RAINFALL of the Orange wine Region
Rainfall of the Orange Wine Region
149°0'E
149°10'E
Wellington
Council
Mid-Western
Regional
Council
Kerrs
Creek
Molong
Garra
Hill End
Belgravia
Manildra
Clergate
Ophir
March
Borenore
Nashdale
To Eugowra,
35km
Lewis
Ponds
Orange
Bathurst
Regional
Council
Lake
Canobolas
Lucknow
Mt Canobolas
1396 m
Cadia
To Canowindra,
10km
Byng
Shadforth
Eglinton
Spring
Hill
Millthorpe
Cargo
Canomodine
33°20'S
33°20'S
Cudal
33°10'S
Mullion
Creek
To Parkes,
55km
33°30'S
149°30'E
Forest
Reefs
Bathurst
To Sydney,
200km
Panuara
Perthville
Georges
Plains
Blayney
Blayney
Shire
Council
33°30'S
33°0'S
To Dubbo,
100km
Cabonne
Shire Council
33°10'S
149°20'E
33°0'S
148°50'E
Wimbledon
Newbridge
Cowra
Shire
Council
Lyndhurst
Barry
Mandurama
33°40'S
33°40'S
Carcoar
Hobbys
Yards
Neville
Rockley
33°50'S
Woodstock
Trunkey
Creek
To Cowra,
5km
148°50'E
149°0'E
Localities
149°10'E
Roads
Cities
Primary Road
Towns
Arterial Road
Townships
Sub Arterial Road
Localities
This map incorporates data which is © Commonwealth of Australia (Geoscience
Australia), 2008, and the Bureau of Meteorology (derived using ANUCLIM software
of the Fenner School of Environment and Society, ANU). The map incorporates
other data which is © Crown Copyright NSW Land and Property Management
Authority, Bathurst, Australia and Department of Environment, Climate Change and
Water. All rights reserved.
Produced by the Resource Information Unit, Industry & Investment NSW, July 2010.
0
149°20'E
5
149°30'E
Orange Wine Region
750 - 799
Local Gov't Areas
800 - 849
Annual Average Rainfall (mm)
850 - 899
650 - 699
900 - 949
700 - 749
≥ 950
10
Kilometres
15
Oberon
Council
To Crookwell,
80km
20
Projection: UTM MGA Zone 55
9
Climate comparisons
The climate of Orange is unique as a result of its high elevation at this latitude.
The change in elevation and distance from Mt Canobolas causes rapid changes in
temperature and rainfall patterns. Within Australia the Orange region is very similar
to Beechworth in Victoria as both have a high elevation and continental climate (Figure 6).
Orange has a similar temperature profile to Coonawarra in SA but higher growing
season rainfall. Margaret River (WA) has a warmer, more maritime climate than
Orange as it is close to the coast.
25
80
20
60
15
40
10
20
5
0
0
90
70
50
30
Orange 900m
Orange 600m
Coonawarra
Beechworth
Margaret River
Orange 900mT
Growing Season
pr
/O
ct
t
Orange 600mT
Coonawarra T
Beechworth T
Margaret River T
A
ar
/S
ep
ug
M
b/
A
ly
Fe
Ju
e
Ja
n/
un
/J
D
ec
/M
ov
pr
N
t/A
0c
ay
10
Mean monthly Temperature °C
100
il
Mean monthly rainfall mm
Orange region temperature and rainfall
comparison with regions in Australia
Figure 6. Orange temperature and rainfall as compared to Coonawarra,
Beechworth and Margaret River.
10
The cooler elevated areas (800m+) of the Orange region are quite similar to the
Burgundy region of France between Dijon and Lyon (Beaujolais) despite this region
having nearly twice as many rain days as Orange with similar growing season rainfall
(Figure 7). Burgundy is also more continental with cooler spring and autumn temperatures.
Pinot noir, Pinot gris, Gamay and Chardonnay are the main varieties grown in Burgundy.
At slightly lower elevations (700-800m) Orange becomes more like the Bordeaux
region of France with up to 20.5ºC mid-summer mean temperatures. Orange has
more sunshine hours and fewer rain days than this classic French region. Cabernet
sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet franc, Sauvignon blanc and Semillon are the main
varieties grown in Bordeaux.
At 600-700m elevation, Orange is drier and warmer and more like the lower
Rhone Valley but not as hot as Montpellier. Shiraz, Carignan, Grenache and
Mourvedre are important varieties grown in the lower Rhone Valley.
25
100
20
80
15
60
10
40
Orange 600m
Beaujolais
Bordeaux
Montpellier
Orange 900m T
Orange 600m T
Beaujolais T
Bordeaux T
ct
/O
pr
Montpellier T
A
/S
ep
ug
M
ar
A
b/
Fe
n/
Ju
e
un
Ja
/J
D
ec
/M
ov
pr
N
t/A
Orange 900m
t
0
ly
0
ay
5
il
20
0c
Monthly rainfall mm
120
Mean monthly Temperature °C
Orange region temperature and rainfall
comparison with regions in France
Growing Season
Figure 7. Growing season temperature and rainfall comparisons with regions in France.
11
Soils of the Orange Region
After climate, soil is a major factor affecting vine growth and fruit flavours. Soil depth,
water holding capacity, drainage and fertility are closely linked to vine performance. As
seen on Map 3 the main soils of the Orange region closely follow elevation and proximity
to Mount Canobolas. Most soils of the Orange region have evolved from various volcanic
materials produced from Mount Canobolas and/or older sediments. Soil age and types
can vary greatly with elevation and topography. The key viticultural soil types on the
soil map (Map 3) are shown in Figure 8 and described below:
(Green) Shallow sandy soils derived from summit volcanics (trachyte).
These soils are at elevations mostly too high for viticulture.
(Blue) Deep well drained clay loam red and brown Ferrosol soils (Krasnozems)
derived from basalt that change from red brown on hill tops to more grey brown in
less well drained areas. Wind blown fine silt has added a silty texture to hilltop sites
(Cattle et al, 2009). These soils surround Mt Canobolas around 800-1000m
elevation and provide the fertile soil for many orchards and vineyards.
(Red) Older medium depth red/brown silty clay loam Dermosols of uniform texture
(Red Earths) derived from older volcanics (andesite) and sediments. Less well
drained yellow/grey soils (Yellow Earths) occur in low lying areas. These soils tend
to be more distant from Mount Canobolas and mostly occur between 700-900m
elevation. They are less fertile than the Ferrosols and often require extra irrigation as
they are more distant from higher rainfall near Mount Canobolas. These soils are
excellent for viticulture as they provide for moderate vigour but usually at lower
elevation and rainfall.
(Purple) Aged red/brown sandy clay loams over clay subsoils (Chromosols) that
are derived from old sediments such as shale, limestone, andesite and slates. These
soils tend to be shallower and only of moderate fertility and water holding ability.
These soils are common from 600-800m in the region and are good for viticulture
if irrigation is available.
(Pink) Red brown sandy loam Calcarosol soils (Earthy sands/Euchrozems)
derived from limestone and volcanic sediments. These classic viticultural soils
are restricted to the limestone belt at 600-700m elevation.
12
Soils of the Orange Region
20cm
40cm
60cm
80cm
100cm
a) Ferrosol
b) Dermosol
c) Chromosol
Figure 8. The main vineyard soils in the Orange region. Source: D. McKenzie, Orange.
13
Blayney
Shire
Council
Panuara
00
Lyndhurst
Carcoar
Mandurama
90
0
Blayney
Barry
Hobbys
Yards
800
Wimbledon
Newbridge
Perthville
Georges
Plains
Rockley
0
00
10
1000
Oberon
Council
Terra Rossa Soils
700
Neville
To Crookwell,
80km
Yellow Podzolic Soils
149°30’E
Red Podzolic Soils
Waterbodies
149°20’E
Trunkey
Creek
Earthy Sands
Shallow Soils
149°10’E
Orange Wine Region
Soloths
Projection: UTM MGA Zone 55
Siliceous Sands
Krasnozems
15
Red Earths
Local Gov’t Areas
Alluvial Soils
Soil Types
5
Brown Cracking Clays
0
Kilometres
20
Non-Calcic Brown Soils
149°0’E
80
Primary Road
0
60
Cities
Arterial Road
90 0
Woodstock
Canomodine
To Canowindra,
10km
Cowra
Shire
Council
To Cowra,
5km
148°50’E
Towns
Sub Arterial Road
Roads
Townships
Elevation (m)
This map incorporates data which is © Commonwealth of Australia (Geoscience
Australia), 2008, and the Bureau of Meteorology (derived using ANUCLIM software
of the Fenner School of Environment and Society, ANU). The map incorporates
other data which is © Crown Copyright NSW Land and Property Management
Authority, Bathurst, Australia and Department of Environment, Climate Change and
Water. All rights reserved.
Localities
Localities
0
60
Produced by the Resource Information Unit, Industry & Investment NSW, July 2010.
10
900
33°30’S
33°40’S
14
33°30’S
33°40’S
33°50’S
600
149°0’E
149°10’E
Wellington
Council
9 00
700
800
90
0
Mullion
Creek
60
0
800
Ophir
600
0
70
0
80
149°20’E
Hill End
Mid-Western
Regional
Council
700
Shadforth
Byng
Lewis
Ponds
700
Orange
March
Clergate
Kerrs
Creek
Belgravia
Nashdale
Lucknow
900
Spring
Hill
Millthorpe
8 00
149°30’E
Bathurst
Regional
Council
Eglinton
Bathurst
To Sydney,
200km
15
33°0’S
Map 3 - Soil types ofSoil
the Orange
wine Regionof the Orange Wine Region
Types
148°50’E
To Dubbo,
100km
Molong
700
Cabonne
Shire Council
Garra
Manildra
To Parkes,
55km
Borenore
Lake
Canobolas
Mt Canobolas
1396 m
10 00
900
Forest
Reefs
900
33°10’S
33°20’S
600
800
600
Cadia
0
90
Cudal
To Eugowra,
35km
Cargo
60
0
33°0’S
33°10’S
33°20’S
700
70
0
90
800
Viticulture in the
Orange region
The range of climate and soils in the Orange region enables a wide range of grape
varieties to be grown to perfection. Vineyard site selection is an important step in
matching climate and soil with grape varieties. Topography can also change variety
performance with slope, aspect, wind and air drainage all having an effect. The
following table summarises the main varieties grown in the Orange region and
the fruit flavour profile achieved at different elevations.
Table 1. Winegrape varieties grown in the Orange region (2009)
and their fruit flavour profiles at different elevations.
E l e v a t
Area ha
(Est)
600-750m
750-900m
i
o
White varieties
Chardonnay 200
rockmelon, stone stone fruit, lemon, fruit, citrus
grapefruit
Sauvignon
100
passionfruit, passionfruit, nettle,
blanc
tropical, boxwood
grassy, herbal
Riesling
40
lime, passionfruit, citrus, green apple,
tropical
peach
Pinot gris
20
cooked pear, honey
fresh pear, honeysuckle, citrus
Viognier
15
apricot, peach, musk citrus, apricot, peach
Red varieties
Shiraz
400
Cabernet 340
sauvignon
cherry, red berries, warm spices, meaty
violets, red berry, blackberry, plum
plum, red berries,
liquorice, white pepper
cassis, blackberry, peppermint
Merlot
red berry, dried herbs
leafy, floral, mulberry,
200
blackcurrant, fresh herbs
Pinot noir
50
raspberry, plum
16
n
Above 900m
honeydew melon,
passionfruit,
grapefruit
citrus, nettle,
capsicum,
asparagus
lime, floral,
fragrant
green apple
white pepper,
green herbal tones
capsicum, clove,
herbaceous, menthol
cherry, violets,
strawberry,
Variation in grape characteristics and wine making is producing a range of wine styles
in the region. Blending of wines made from grapes grown at different elevations and
soil types is increasing as we understand the interesting variability in the region.
Other varieties grown in the region include Traminer, Semillon, Marsanne, Pinot
meuniere, Cabernet franc, Tempranillo, Zinfandel, Barbera, Sangiovese and Malbec.
Canopy management in the vineyard is an important practice in producing quality grapes
in Orange. Most canopies are vertical and narrow to achieve high sun exposure with
some shading from the afternoon heat. Hand pruning is used to achieve even shoot
growth and fruit separation. Shoot thinning, bunch thinning, shoot trimming and leaf
plucking are often used to achieve the optimum crop load and microclimate for well
coloured fruit of high flavour.
The soils and climate of the Orange region minimise the need for much supplementary
irrigation. Vineyards aim to be sustainable and a number are now certified organic.
An active growers association- Orange Region Vignerons Association (ORVA) promotes
sustainable quality wine grape production to provide the base for great wine.
Innovative winemakers are developing a range of wine styles from regional wine grapes.
Straight varietals, varietal blends and intra-regional blends are being made to develop
wine styles that define this region. Fruit driven, cool climate wine styles across a range
of varieties are developing from the unique terroir of the region.
The Orange wine region is young but is developing a reputation for producing an
interesting range of quality cool climate wines. We hope that this terroir story will
help in the development of the wine region and enhance your interest as you
explore the region.
References:
Cattle, S., Malone, B. and McKenzie, D. (2009) The effect of dust on topsoil variation
in the Orange wine region. Aust & NZ Grapegrower & Winemaker 550, 22-24.
Chan, R.A. (2003) Bathurst and Forbes 1:250000Map Sheets, New South Wales
Gladstones, J.(1992) Viticulture and Environment. Winetitles, South Australia.
Kirk, J.T. (1986) Application of a revised temperature summation system to
Australian viticultural regions. Aust Grapegrower & Winemaker 268, 48-52.
Kovac, M., Murphy, B.W. and Lawrie, J.W. (1989) Soil Landscapes of the Bathurst
1:250000 Sheet. Soil Conservation Service of NSW, Sydney
Martin, D. (2000) The search for terroir – a question of management. Proceedings
of the 5th International Symposium on Cool Climate Viticulture and Oenology,
Melbourne, pp. 1-4.
McKenzie, N., Jacquier, D., Isbell, R. and Brown, K. (2004) Australian Soils and
Landscapes. CSIRO Australia.
Robinson, J. (1986) Vines, Grapes & Wines. Mitchell Bleazley, UK.
Wilson, J.E. (1998) Terroir – The role of geology, climate and culture in the making
of French wines. Mitchell Beazley UK.
Contributors:
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Peter Hedberg, Hedberg Hill and Charles Sturt University, Orange NSW
Ian McGowen, NSW Department of Industry and Investment, Orange NSW
Acknowledgements:
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Andrew Rawson, NSW Dept of Environment, Climate Change and Water
Chris Bourke, Sons & Brothers, Millthorpe NSW
David McKenzie, McKenzie Soil Management Pty Ltd, Orange NSW
Debbie Lauritz, Cumulus Wines, Cudal NSW
Philip Stevenson, Orange & District Historical Society, Orange NSW
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ORVA – Orange Region Vignerons Association
Box 1363, Orange, NSW 2800. www.winesoforange.com.au
Taste Orange www.tasteorange.com.au
Wines of Orange www.winesoforange.com.au
Orange Visitor Information Centre www.visitorange.com.au 1800 069 466
Cabonne Country www.cabonnecountry.com
NSW Tourism www.visitnsw.com
Borenore Trail www.borenoretrail.com.au
ISBN No.: 978-0-646-54446-5 First Edition 2010
Designed by VAADA
Contacts: