Coonawarra Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Elegant Reds from the Terra Rossa

Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is the grape that made Coonawarra's name, and on its own or in a blend it appears in nearly two thirds of our range. Expect blackcurrant and dark cherry, a signature note of mint, and hints of cedar and violets.

The style is medium to full bodied, with fine, firm tannin and bright acidity. Many drinkers compare it with Bordeaux, and it shares that ability to age, softening gracefully over ten or twenty years.

The terra rossa strip is so central to the story that Yalumba named its The Cigar Cabernet after the strip's long, narrow shape. Set these wines beside other regions in our Cabernet Sauvignon collection.

Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Blends

Coonawarra Shiraz is a cooler climate take on Australia's favourite red. It is peppery and spicy, with red and black fruit, and far more restrained than a Barossa Valley Shiraz. There is more in our Shiraz range.

The region also has a long tradition of blending. Cabernet Shiraz pairs Cabernet's structure with the generous middle of Shiraz, and wines such as Lindeman's Limestone Ridge and Majella Malleea have made the style a Coonawarra classic.

Soft, plummy Merlot rounds out the reds, and you will even find a sparkling Shiraz and a sparkling Merlot for something festive.

Coonawarra Producers in Our Range

Our Coonawarra range brings together more than 20 producers, from small family estates to famous names.

The Redman family has made wine here since 1908, and Zema Estate and Bowen Estate are family run too. Majella and Parker Estate, whose First Growth is its flagship Cabernet, bring polish and depth, while Katnook Estate and Penley Estate add their own character.

You will also find benchmark bottles such as Wynns Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon and Lindeman's St George.

How to Serve Coonawarra Wine

Serve the reds at 16 to 18 degrees. Young Cabernet opens up nicely with an hour in a decanter, while older bottles need only a gentle pour to leave the sediment behind.

Food Pairing

Coonawarra Cabernet loves red meat, from roast lamb with rosemary to a rib of beef, and its minty edge suits a herb crust perfectly. Shiraz works with barbecued sausages and pepper steak, Merlot with roast duck or a mushroom pasta.

What Is Terra Rossa? Your Questions, Answered

What is terra rossa soil?

Terra rossa means red earth. In Coonawarra it is a thin layer of red, iron rich clay loam on soft limestone, with a water table below. It drains freely and keeps the vines in check, which concentrates the fruit.

Where is Coonawarra?

Coonawarra is in the south east of South Australia, near Penola and not far from the Victorian border. It belongs to the Limestone Coast wine zone.

What wine is Coonawarra famous for?

Cabernet Sauvignon, above all. The region is also known for elegant Shiraz and for Cabernet Shiraz blends.

How long does Coonawarra Cabernet age?

Everyday bottles drink well within five years. Premium Coonawarra Cabernet can age for twenty years or more, developing cedar, tobacco and dried herb notes.

Why Buy Coonawarra Wine at YourWines?

This range lets you taste what terra rossa does. Compare a family estate Cabernet with a famous benchmark, or set a peppery Coonawarra Shiraz beside its warmer South Australian cousins.

Every wine is chosen by our team, most of it available by the dozen, and shipping is free Australia wide with a surcharge for WA, TAS and remote areas. Explore our wider red wine range or discover more Australian reds.