Orange region terroir 2010 – a review of the unique features of the Orange wine region
A cool climate region in Central New South Wales
Sara Schwarz
Cumulus Wines, Orange, New South Wales
Compiled by the Orange Region Vignerons Association, Orange region terrior 2010: a review of the unique features of the Orange wine region, is both an important historical document and guide to the factors that make this region one of NSW's most exciting viticultural regions in recent times.
Orange has become an increasingly important wine-producing region in recent years and now has over 1500Ha of land under vine with over 40 separate wine labels available to consumers. It is also fast growing in popularity as a gourmet destination, complemented by some excellent food producers, restaurants and festivals.
This 10 page booklet however is not your standard guide to the wines of the region you’d find at local tourist information centres (we suggest you download our new App if this is what you are after - link below), rather this is a guide for those interested in what it is that makes the wines of the Orange region unique, its terroir.
To quote from the booklet: ‘Terroir is the French word used to define the features of a wine growing region that includes its climate, geology, topography and soils which contribute to the individuality and renown of wines produced there. It also includes the historical and human effects on site expression of the vineyard and wines produced.’
Taking into account both environmental and social factors, this succinct and insightful guide traverses the history of winegrowing in the region, followed by excellent summaries on the Topography and Geology of the region, Climate and Weather, including the all important Temperature, Rainfall and Humidity, then moves on to Soil Types across the region and finally ending with the Viticulture of the region – what is grown where and why.
This is a guide for professionals and interested amateurs who wish to take their knowledge of the region to the next level. It is also an important historical document capturing information that is essential for anyone considering setting up an agricultural venture in the region or documenting changes in climate over the coming decades.
And for those interested amateurs who wish to know why your pinot gris is reminiscent of cooked pear and honey when grown at 600-750m and green apple when grown above 900m, I strongly suggest you pick up a copy on your travels in the region.
Orange region terroir 2010 is written and published by the Orange Region Vignerons Association (2009; pb) RRP $4.99. It is available from Taste Orange and select outlets in the Orange region.
Regions
- Orange (NSW)
Our Recommendations
To see our recommendations, ratings and reviews you must be a logged-in subscriber.
To subscribe please enter your email address in the "Subscribe Now - it's Free" box on the right and click the "Join" button, or fill in this form >
Orange, in the central west of New South Wales, has rapidly become recognised as one of Australia's premier cool-climate wine producing regions – and now with local ... Orange is a food and wine region well worth a visit »
One of the most innovative events on the wine calendar is the 'Dinner WIth The Neighbours' annual 100-Mile dinner held in Canowindra as part of the Orange FOOD Week »
Leading Orange region winegrower Printhie Wines report that the 2010 vintage has finished about a month earlier than usual - the earliest finish to vintage since 2007 »
Simon Gilbert is the winemaker for Brangayne of Orange turning the grapes from Brangayne into beautiful award-winning wines which reflect the environment and cool climate of the Orange region »
Pepper Tree Wines has got vineyards in Hunter Valey (NSW), Coonawarra (SA), Wrattonbully(SA) and Orange in Central Ranges New South Wales Explorer Country. read more
Underwood Lane & Orange Country WineryUnderwood Lane (previously Orange Country Wines or Orange Country Winery) is located in Borenore, Orange Region, Central Ranges, New South Wales Explorer Country. read more
Cumulus Wines & Rolling and Climbing Wines
Cumulus Wines is a leading cool climate winemaker, sourcing fruit from its high altitude, single vineyard in Orange, 280 kilometres west of Sydney. read more
Rosemount Estate's Orange vineyard is located in the foothills of Mount Canobolas, at 900 metres above sea level, Central Ranges, New South Wales Explorer Country. read more
Prince of Orange WinesPrince of Orange Wines is located in Orange,Central Ranges New South Wales Explorer Country, Australia. Harald and Coral Brodersen established Prince of Orange in ... read more
Golden Gully WinesGolden Gully Wines is a ratherly new vineyard located in Orange, Central Ranges, New South Wales Explorer Country. read more
Angullong Wines & Orchard Road Vineyard
Angullong is a family owned wine company from the premium high altitude cool climate wine region of Orange in the Central West, Central Ranges, of New South Wales ... read more
Faisan Estate Vineyard is located in Orange, Central Ranges, New South Wales Explorer Country. read more
Brangayne of Orange (wine)The "Brangayne" and "Ynys Witrin" vineyards lie on the north eastern slopes of the extinct volcano Mount Canobolas, near Orange in New South Wales Explorer Country, ... read more
Canobolas Smith Wines
Canobolas-Smith Wines is a small family company making premium quality wines from eight hectares of vineyard on the northern slopes of Mt. Canobolas near Orange, ... read more
Philip Shaw Wines are made only from the grapes grown on Koomooloo, a 46ha vineyard, most of which was planted in 1988/89. The vineyard is located in Orange, Central ... read more
Tamburlaine has vineyards in the Hunter Valley (NSW) and near Orange, in Borenore, Central Ranges, New South Wales Explorer Country. The wines produced at Orange ... read more
Taste OrangeBrand Orange Ltd. trading as Taste Orange is a not for profit organisation. They aim to create an effective umbrella for the marketing, promotion and development ... read more
Taste Orange at Bondi
Taste Orange at Bondi brings together great places and products - the white sand of Australia's most famous beach with its vibrant cafes and restaurants and the ... read more
Situated a comfortable 3.5 hours from Sydney and three hours from Canberra, Orange is an ideal location for your next short break. The Orange Region presents you ... read more
Tutor your nose to detect the subtle aromas in wine and learn to appreciate and enjoy its complexities. VisitVineyards.com subscribers purchasing Le Nez du Vin aroma sets can save up to $110 and get two Essential Wine Tasting Guides for the price of one. Read about the 
Thinking celebration? Then surely thinking Champagne, the wine that's always part of life's most important occasions. And sometimes just for the pure bubbly, enjoyment. Dine and sip with royalty, celebrity at history-making moments with your copy of Champagne and Chandeliers by Bernadette O'Shea. VisitVineyards.com subscribers, you receive a 15 per cent discount on purchase 
Le Figaro calls her "the undisputed mistress of the kingdom of wine". Receive an immediate introductory 
Like to discover more about this state's lifestyle, wine, food and more? Then ask us now for your free copy of Tasmania 40 Degrees South the magazine that showcases the best of Australia's island state. 
In our No 1 Wine Book of 2010, Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein matches distinctive wines with recipes from his favourite chefs in this book focussing on new and emerging grape varietals. VisitVineyards.com subscribers and Members buying this book will receive a 
Book into an exclusive 
Is your wine cellar in need of some re-organisation. Vinified offers a unique cellar management service - they work out what you have, what you need, what it's worth and how to store it. All done with your personal taste in mind. Enter now and you could 