Margaret River (wine region)#History

{{Short description|Wine region in Western Australia}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}

{{Use Australian English|date=September 2011}}

{{Infobox wine region

| name = Margaret River

| image = Margaret_River_wine_region.jpg

| caption = Margaret River Wine Region

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| country = Australia

| part of = Western Australia

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| climate region =Mediterranean with strong maritime influences

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| soil =Whilst the unique Forest Grove ironstone soils are some

of the most acclaimed, the region’s diversity of soil types

offer optimal conditions for a myriad of grape varieties,

styles and wine complexity.

| total size ={{convert|213,000|ha|km2|0}}

| planted = {{convert|5,840|ha|acres|0}}

| vineyards =215

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| varietals = Sauvignon blanc, Sémillon, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Tempranillo, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Chenin Blanc

| wineries = 187{{cite web|title=Wineries in the Margaret River|url=http://www.winecompanion.com.au/wineries/western-australia/margaret-river/wineries|website=James Halliday Australian Wine Companion|access-date=22 March 2015}}

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Margaret River is the major geographical indication wine region in southwest Western Australia, with 5,840 hectares under vine and 215 wineries as at 2012.{{cite web |date=2023 |title=Margaret River Wineries |url=https://margaretriver.wine/wineries/ |access-date=13 March 2023 |website=Margaret River Wine |publisher=Margaret River Wine Association}} Margaret River wine region is made up predominantly of boutique size wine producers; although winery operations range from the smallest crushing 3.5 tonne per year to the largest around 2,500 tonne. The climate of Margaret River is more strongly maritime-influenced than any other major Australian region. It has the lowest mean annual temperature range, of only 7.6 °C, and as well as the most marked Mediterranean climate in terms of rainfall, with only 200 millimetres of the annual 1160 millimetres falling between October and April. The low diurnal and seasonal temperature range means an unusually even accumulation of warmth. Overall the climate is similar to that of Bordeaux in a dry vintage.Campbell Mattinson, 'Why the French hate us', Hardie Grant Books 2007 Although the region produces just two percent of total Australian wine grape production, it produces over 20 percent of Australia's premium wine market.{{cite web|title=The Region|url=http://margaretriverwine.info/region/|website=Margaret River Wine|publisher=Margaret River Wine Association|access-date=22 March 2015}}The Australian and New Zealand wine industry directory, 27th Annual edition, 2009, Winetitles. The principal grape varieties are split 40/60 between red and white; Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc, Sémillon, Shiraz, Merlot and Chenin Blanc.Oz Clarke, 'Oz Clarke's Pocket Wine Guides', Harcourt 1 November 2002