The South Burnett wine region is located north-west of Brisbane in Queensland. The regional climate can be classed as sub-tropical, with its diverse range of soils all having a pH level suited to viticulture.
The GI is 8,274 km2 in size and has a total of 204 hectares of vineyards. The main varieties grown in the region are Verdelho, Shiraz, and Chardonnay.
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
This region is producing medium bodied wines with soft, sweet berry flavours. As the vines age, more extract and structure can be expected when vintage conditions are favourable.
Chardonnay
As one might expect, this ever-flexible and accommodating variety performs well in the region. The wine tends to be soft with pleasant and clear varietal character in a nectarine and melon spectrum. The use of quality oak and modern winemaking practices has produced many wines with good complexity and structure.
Semillon
The style of the Semillon has some of the softness of the region’s Chardonnay and is relatively quick to develop. However, it does provide a distinctive varietal flavour, with some citrus and herb characters.
Shiraz
The warm climate produces wines which are smooth and supple, light to medium bodied and with soft tannins. There are none of the spice and pepper notes sometimes evident in the Shiraz of the Granite Belt. Instead, ripe cherry, plum, mint and chocolate flavours are present in varying degrees.
- The region has a very warm, subtropical climate, but its elevation, maritime influence and crisp nights keep things mild enough to produce good-quality grapes.
- Soils vary from light sands to red, brown and black clays, and all are well suited to grape growing.