Shirvington Wines
Australia
A top producer in the ever-increasing environment that is the Australia wine industry
Founded more than 25-years ago in the McLaren Vale District of South Australia by Paul and Lynne Shirvington, Shirvington Winery has developed into one of the prime wineries of South Australia. It utilizes two main vineyards, Redwine in Willunga and Manjalda in McLaren Vale for its estate selections.
Paul was originally an accountant and the couple, who had enjoyed the imbibing aspects of wine, decided a rural lifestyle was more to their liking. Shirvington’s first vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon was named Wine of the Year at the McLaren Vale Wine Show and the next year, their Shiraz was given a 99 Point score by Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate. From that point, Shirvington Winery has never looked back.
Shirvington continues to be a top producer in the ever-increasing environment that is the Australia wine industry. We’re betting this quality producer continues at their present level for many years. We are happy to introduce this fantastic winery to our International Wine Club members!
Map of the area
Kim Jackson - Winemaker
Female winemaker Kim Jackson studied chemistry at Adelaide University and wound up with an agricultural science degree in 1998 that eventually vaulted her into the wine industry. She has worked in California’s Sonoma Valley and Burgundy’s Nuit St. Georges area and has been with Shirvington since 2005. She is also winemaker for the highly regarded Henry’s Drive Vignerons that was formerly featured as an International Wine Club selection, some four years ago.
“I have always been attracted to producers who strive to ‘bring the best’ out of their vineyards and have a passion for making, what I call, ‘real wines’ of quality and distinction,” Kim explained. “Even skipping vintages of their popular label because they don’t think the grapes meet their high standards and what their customers have come to expect of their wines. The Shirvingtons and their mind-set easily fits my criteria.”
McLauren Vale
No Australian wine region has benefited from the world wine explosion more than McLaren Vale, which is situated some 20 to 25 miles south of Adelaide. A Mediterranean climate, McLaren Vale’s first vineyards were planted in 1838. Shiraz is the king here and accounts for more than half of the region’s total crush.
Soils include red-brown earths, soft sands and dark cracking clays and hold very little water. Drip irrigation is a must in McLaren Vale, that is better known for its big, intensely fruity reds that for its whites. Fresh sea breezes off the Gulf St. Vincent help moderate the growing season and help retain acidity and develop structure. Many McLaren Vale wineries command extremely high prices on the international wine spectrum, a tribute to the area’s blossoming popularity.
Flag of Australia
The Australian flag features a blue background with the Union Jack in the upper left corner. A large white seven-pointed star known as the Commonwealth Star is just beneath it and to the right is a representation of the Southern Cross constellation, made up of five white stars. The Union Jack acknowledges the history of British settlement. The Commonwealth Star represents the unity of the six states and the territories of the Commonwealth of Australia. The Southern Cross constellation was chosen because it can only be seen from the southern hemisphere and is a reminder of Australia’s geography. The flag was adopted on September 3, 1901, the date proclaimed as Australian National Flag Day.
