TERROIR PROFILE
Blackwood Valley
Gravel over loam in the hinterland
Blackwood Valley: the hinterland between Margaret River and Manjimup — Cabernet with an edge.
Climate, site & wine
Well-drained gravelly loams of the Darling Plateau carry the vines: gravel on the ridges, yellow soils and red earths on the valley slopes.
More than 450 hectares are planted to Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Shiraz; the wines are structured, the reds spicy. More than 50 vineyards lie between Margaret River and Great Southern; Viognier and Pinot Noir add small volumes.
TERROIR PROFILE · Western Australia
Blackwood Valley Gravel over loam in the hinterland
Blackwood Valley: the hinterland between Margaret River and Manjimup — Cabernet with an edge.
SOILS
Gravel / Sandlight, approachable
Gravel and sand drain heavily — vines struggle for water, wines turn fine, light and elegant.
Loambody-rich, velvety
Loamy soils give wines volume and a soft, velvety mouthfeel.
CLIMATE · Mediterranean
Rainfall ranges from 600 to 900 mm and falls mostly in winter, with dry summers. The region lies between 100 metres in the west and 340 metres in the east.
TOPOGRAPHY · gentle
The Blackwood River passes through Bridgetown, Greenbushes, Nannup, Balingup and Boyup Brook; the region lies about 260 km south of Perth between Margaret River and Great Southern.
WHAT IT MEANS IN THE GLASS
Similar terroirs worldwide
Computed from fingerprint similarity
Margaret River
Western Australia
94% similar
- Warmth (slightly): Blackwood Valley is cooler → tauter fruit, leaner wines, more acidity (7 vs. 8).
- Freshness (slightly): Blackwood Valley has more freshness → crisp acidity, long ageing (6 vs. 5).
Geographe
Western Australia
94% similar
- Dryness (slightly): Blackwood Valley is drier → more concentrated, denser, smaller berries (7 vs. 6).
- Body (slightly): Blackwood Valley gives more body → fuller, more powerful wines (7 vs. 6).
Wineries on this terroir
See all 2 →This terroir's soils in the glossary