Located south of Adelaide, McLaren Vale is one of Australia’s most appealing wine regions. Here, the Mediterranean sun and proximity to the ocean create wines with a radiant style, marked by fruit, generosity, and approachability. More accessible and hedonistic than the neighboring Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale is a must-visit appellation for those
seeking sunny, easy-to-love wines.
Terroir and Style of McLaren Vale
With its varied soils (shale, sandstone, limestone) and a warm climate tempered by the sea breeze from Gulf St Vincent, McLaren Vale produces wines of exceptional aromatic intensity. Shiraz here is generous, full-bodied, with ripe dark fruit and soft spice notes, while Grenache expresses bright fruit and a sun-kissed roundness.
Iconic Grape Varieties
- McLaren Vale Shiraz: full-bodied, spicy, with a velvety texture.
- Grenache: red fruit brightness, sunny freshness, approachable.
- Mataro (Mourvèdre): structure and depth.
- Mediterranean blends (Grenache-Mataro-Cinsault-Carignan): bold southern identity.
- Unusual varieties: Nero d’Avola, Zibibbo, Cinsault… showcasing local creativity.
Featured Producers
🍇 Brash Higgins
An icon of Australian avant-garde, Brash Higgins embodies the free spirit of McLaren Vale. Their cuvées combine indulgence and boldness, with unconventional vinifications (e.g., Zibibbo in amphora). From intense Shiraz to sun-drenched Grenache, and Mediterranean experiments (Nero d’Avola, Cinsault, MCC), Brash Higgins challenges conventions with style.
Notable cuvées at Vinodelice:
- ZBO Zibibbo 2022: aromatic white, amphora-fermented, surprising and generous.
- Shiraz 2020: intense, velvety, typical McLaren Vale style.
- Grenache 2021: bright fruit, sunny freshness.
- MATO Mataro 2016: deep, structured red.
- Grenache Mataro 2020: balanced and indulgent blend.
- Riesling Semillon 2021: vibrant and refreshing touch.
🍇 Rockbare
More classic but equally appealing, Rockbare highlights McLaren Vale’s accessible and generous face. Their Shiraz and Grenache are very drinkable, ideal for discovering the region without compromising quality.
Key cuvées:
- Shiraz 2020: velvety, generous, marked by dark fruit.
- Grenache 2021: sunny, fruity, approachable.
Why Choose a McLaren Vale Wine?
- For the immediate pleasure of its Shiraz and Grenache.
- As a sunny, accessible alternative to Barossa Valley.
- To explore producers’ creativity, balancing tradition and Mediterranean grape varieties.
Food Pairings
- Shiraz: grilled meats, slow-cooked dishes, spicy cuisine.
- Grenache: tapas, roasted poultry, charcuterie.
- Mediterranean blends: Provençal dishes, tajines, barbecue.
- Unusual varieties (Nero d’Avola, Zibibbo): Italian cuisine, spiced fish, aromatic vegetarian dishes.
❓FAQ – McLaren Vale Wines
What is the style of McLaren Vale wines?
Renowned for indulgence and intensity. Shiraz is full-bodied and spicy, Grenache is sunny and fruit-forward, with immediate drinkability.
Which are the iconic grape varieties?
Shiraz and Grenache dominate, with Mataro (Mourvèdre)
and Mediterranean varieties like Nero d’Avola, Cinsault, or Carignan adding diversity.
What’s the difference between McLaren Vale and Barossa Valley?
Barossa Valley produces iconic, powerful wines with heritage. McLaren Vale offers hedonistic, fruit-forward, approachable wines, perfect for conviviality.
Who are the key producers? At Vinodelice, we distribute two benchmark wineries:
- Brash Higgins: avant-garde, creative, indulgent wines.
- Rockbare: accessible, generous Shiraz and Grenache.
What dishes pair well with McLaren Vale wines?
- Shiraz: grilled meats, stews, spicy cuisine.
- Grenache: tapas, roasted poultry, charcuterie.
- Mediterranean blends: Provençal dishes, barbecue, tajine.
- Zibibbo or white blends: aromatic vegetarian dishes, Asian cuisine.
Where to buy McLaren Vale wines?
You can purchase our selection of McLaren Vale wines directly on Vinodelice, featuring accessible cuvées and original bottles from Brash Higgins and Rockbare.
McLaren Vale embodies the hedonism of Australian wine. Sun-soaked reds, surprising whites, and limitless creativity — the region seduces with intensity and indulgence. With Vinodelice, explore a selection that is both approachable
and bold, perfect for sharing.
👉 To continue your journey, explore our full collection of Australian wines.
