McLaren Vale Wines: Rich Shiraz, Old Vine Grenache and Mediterranean Reds from South Australia

McLaren Vale Shiraz

McLaren Vale Shiraz is rich and generous, with blackberry, plum and the region's signature notes of dark chocolate and spice. The sea breezes give it a softer, rounder finish than many inland Shiraz.

Styles range from bright, juicy wines for everyday drinking to powerful single vineyard bottles for the cellar. Some come from very old vines, such as the Ox Hardy 1891 Ancestor Vines Shiraz. For Shiraz from every region, explore our Shiraz collection.

Old Vine Grenache and GSM Blends

McLaren Vale Grenache is among the most admired in the world. Old, dry grown bush vines give perfumed wines with raspberry, red cherry and fine, silky tannins, far more elegant than the grape's old reputation suggests.

Grenache also shines in blends with Shiraz and Mataro, known as GSM. Clarendon Hills, Maxwell and Wirra Wirra all make Grenache led wines worth discovering.

Cabernet Sauvignon and Sparkling Shiraz

McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon is ripe and rounded, with blackcurrant, mint and a touch of dark chocolate. It is often blended with Shiraz, as in the Wirra Wirra Church Block. Compare it with other regions in our Cabernet Sauvignon range.

For celebrations, try a McLaren Vale sparkling Shiraz such as the Hancock & Hancock. Deep red, rich and full of spice, it is an Australian classic for Christmas lunch or a summer barbecue.

McLaren Vale or Barossa Valley Shiraz?

Both regions make world class Shiraz, but the style differs. The inland Barossa Valley has a warmer, more continental climate, giving very ripe, full bodied wines with sweet spice and plush fruit.

McLaren Vale's maritime climate gives Shiraz that is just as rich but often a little fresher, with more savoury, chocolate and earthy notes. If you love one, the other is well worth a try.

Blewitt Springs, Clarendon and Mediterranean Grapes

Winemakers increasingly name their districts on the label. Blewitt Springs has deep sandy soils that give fragrant, fine Grenache and Shiraz, while the higher, cooler Clarendon hills produce more structured and elegant wines.

The warm, dry climate also suits Mediterranean varieties. Fiano and Vermentino lead the whites, while McLaren Vale Tempranillo, Nero d'Avola, Sangiovese and Touriga stand out among the reds. Grenache based rosé and a few fortified wines round out the range.

McLaren Vale Wine Brands in Our Range

d'Arenberg, famous for its quirky wine names and the d'Arenberg Cube, is our largest McLaren Vale producer. Mitolo, Hither & Yon and Wirra Wirra with its Church Block follow, along with Clarendon Hills and Maxwell Wines.

Coriole has championed Italian grapes since the 1980s, and Gemtree is a leading name in organic and biodynamic McLaren Vale wine. You will also find Geoff Merrill, Chapel Hill, Hancock & Hancock, Sherrah, Primo Estate, Dandelion Vineyards, Yangarra, Heirloom Vineyards, Mr Riggs and Hardys Tintara.

Serving and Food Pairing

Serve Shiraz and Grenache at 16 to 18 degrees, and Fiano well chilled at 8 to 10 degrees. Shiraz is made for barbecued lamb or a rich beef stew, Grenache suits pizza and charcuterie, and Fiano is lovely with fresh seafood.

What Is McLaren Vale Famous For? Your Questions, Answered

What wine is McLaren Vale famous for?

Shiraz first, followed closely by old vine Grenache and GSM blends. Cabernet Sauvignon also does well, and the region has become a leader in Mediterranean grapes such as Fiano, Tempranillo and Nero d'Avola.

How long can you cellar McLaren Vale Shiraz?

Everyday McLaren Vale Shiraz is ready to enjoy on release. Premium single vineyard and old vine wines often develop for 10 to 20 years, gaining notes of leather, earth and dried fruit.

Which McLaren Vale white wine should you try?

Fiano is widely seen as McLaren Vale's white wine of the future, with texture and citrus freshness. Vermentino, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay are also made, although most of the region's plantings are red.

Why Buy McLaren Vale Wine at YourWines?

From a juicy Grenache for the barbecue to an old vine Shiraz for the cellar, you can buy McLaren Vale red wine online, along with its whites and rosé, for every occasion and budget.

Every wine is chosen by our team, available by the dozen or as a six-pack, and shipping is free Australia wide with a surcharge for WA, TAS and remote areas. For a cooler climate style, explore the nearby Adelaide Hills.