Of the three wine regions in the Central Ranges zone in New South Wales, Orange is widely known as the coolest in the whole zone. Sandwiched between the Mudgee (north) and Cowra (south) wine regions, all the vineyards in the Orange wine region are situated at high altitudes.
Located just inland of the Great Dividing Range, the climate is described as continental with cool nights tempering the long, hot summer days. Snow falls here during winter. As is the case with most inland wine regions, frost during spring cause significant damage to vines before harvest season. The area features different soil types depending on the location of the vineyards, and so it is hospitable to a variety of grape types. The slopes of Mount Canbolas, the extinct volcano that dominates the area, are one of the favourite vineyard sites in the area.
Besides being the coolest of wine regions in the zone, Orange is also the newest. The city of Orange is just over three hours from Sydney and, along with the surrounding towns of Millthorpe, Carcoar and Lucknow, keeps the human traffic passing through the wine region. The wines themselves are gaining popularity in Australia, especially the flavourful, fruitier white varieties like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and recently, Pinot Gris.
The cool climate and soils rich in basalt (thanks to Mount Canbolas) also give way to a particularly distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon, made even more unique when blended with the Merlot and Cabernet Franc also produced in the region. The fickle grape Pinot Noir is popular as a dry red wine and also in the production of sparkling wine. Less common varieties produced here include Zinfadel, Barbera, Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Riesling and Sangiovese, as well as a selection of Rosés and interesting fortified wines.
Most of the wineries and vineyards were established in the 80s, and already there are over 40 labels coming from the area and as many as 25 cellar doors offering their wines for sale to the public. For wine lovers interested in the unusual cultivated on home soil, try the wines from Sons & Brothers Vineyard as an example of the wines produced in the Orange wine region.
You’ll find more wineries from Orange wine region by clicking here: Wineries from Orange
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