The Canberra District wine region is located in both the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales, with most vineyards located in the latter. It has an extreme Continental climate with very warm, dry days but cold nights during summer.
The GI is 8,607 km2 in size and has a total of 329 hectares of vineyards. The main varieties grown in the region are Shiraz, Riesling, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Riesling
This is arguably the most important and admired white variety in the region. The wines are often made in a crisp, dry style, however sweeter styles are making a comeback. These are wines that age well, developing toasty complexity over many, many years.
Shiraz
In recent years Canberra District Shiraz has come into its own as the hero variety for the region, with several wineries produce spectacular examples redolent of spice, black cherry and liquorice.
- Extreme Continental climate. Very warm, dry days but cold nights during summer
- Cool Autumn temperatures with rain at harvest not uncommon
- Predominantly hard red duplex soils with shallow clay loam top soils