- Blackwood Valley
Blackwood Valley is a region in the south-west of
Western Australia , approximately 260 km (160 mi) south-south-east of Perth.Blackwood Valley, "Wine Lover's Companion" (2003).] The region was named after theBlackwood River , the longest continually flowing river in Western Australia. [http://www.australiassouthwest.com/en/Food+and+Wine/Blackwood+Valley+Wine+Region/default.htm Blackwood Valley Wine Region] , "Australia's South-West" (2005).] The river passes through the towns of Bridgetown, Greenbushes, Nannup, Balingup and Boyup Brook within the region. [http://www.blackwoodvalleywine.asn.au/ Welcome to the Blackwood Valley Wine Industry Association] , "Blackwood Valley Wine Region of WA" (2005).]History and industry
The Blackwood Valley region was settled in the late 1800s, and
timber ,horticulture ,wool and otherfarming sustained the region. Blackwood Valley extends approximately to Geographe Bay in the west and north, Manjimup in the south, and Great Southern in the south-east. [http://www.wineaustralia.com/Australia/Default.aspx?tabid=763 Wine Regions: Blackwood Valley, Western Australia] , "Wine Australia" (2007).]It is part of the
wine industry in Western Australia. The firstvine s were planted in the Blackwood Crestwinery , located in the north-east of the region, in 1976 by Max Fairbrass. [http://www.winediva.com.au/regions/blackwood-valley.asp Wine regions Australia - Blackwood Valley] , "WineDiva" (2002).] The region produces mainly white wines, and the vineyards in the region number around 50. The harvest time is between late February and early April.Climate and geography
The
climate of the region is Mediterranean, suitable for the growth of white wine vines includingChardonnay andRiesling , as well as red wine grapes like Shiraz andCabernet Sauvignon . This climate is characterised by moderate temperatures, with rainfall more predominant in the winter months and relatively dry summer months. However, winter frosts occasionally extend through into early spring, which can cause damage to the vines.The region varies in
elevation , from 100 metres in the west to 340 metres in the east. The annualrainfall range is from 600 to 900millimetre s.The soil in the area is heavily dictated by the
topography . A series of smallervalley s which run throughout the region, where the soil is thinner on the slopes than at the base of the valleys wherealluvial -type sediment is found. The topography and loamy soil promotes well-drained land suitable for vineyards.ee also
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Geography of Western Australia
*List of wine-producing regions References
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