Western Australia accounts for only a tiny portion of total Australian wine production, but an increasingly great share of fine wine production. The Margaret River to the south at the bottom of Geographe Bay has a much more temperate climate than the area around Perth. This is due to the maritime influence and the Antarctic current. The region is also distinguished by the fine gravel beds over granite that provide great drainage, allowing the grapes to ripen fully even in the climate, which is cooler than many in Australia. Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon flourish in the Margaret River, where Shiraz is also very popular.
The superb wines of Cape Mentelle are produced in the Wallcliffe subregion near the banks of the Margaret River itself. Further north in Willyabrup there are many wineries along the banks of the river of the same name.
Tom Stevenson notes of the Margaret River in his New Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia that “This is Australia’s premier region for wine lovers who seek class and finesse, rather than weight and glory… The greatness of Margaret River wines cannot be disputed. This is because the quality of fruit is better than elsewhere in Australia."
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Perth Hills and the Swan District are located in the northern section of Western Australia. These areas share a hot and dry climate, with soils of sandy loam mixed with clay. The region is most well known for producing Shiraz and a variety of white wines.