An emerging wine region, Peel lies between the Swan District and Perth Hills to the north and Geograph to the south, with over 200 hectares of wine grapes grown over this considerable area the region holds a mix of mature of and more recent plantings.
History
The European settlement of Peel dates back to 1829 when a visionary named Thomas Peel brought three ships of migrants from England for the Peel Settlement Scheme. In 1846 the first lead, silver and zinc mine was opened in West Australia. Although short-lived, it presaged the large-scale mineral sands, gold and bauxite mining and the processing operations that commenced during the 1970s.
The first vines were planted in 1857. However it was not until the 1970s that more significant developments have taken place in what has been a rapidly expanding area for numerous lifestyle activities. The first commercial vineyard was established with a planting of Shiraz by Will Nairn at the Peel Estate in 1974. While most other varieties have also now been established, Shiraz remains the flagship variety for the region.
Local Varietals
Chenin Blanc
This was the first white grape to be planted in Peel. The wine is produced with or without oak and gains character and depth with short to medium-term cellaring.
Chardonnay
Planted in most of the localities throughout the region, this wine attests to the versatility of the variety. Character notes range from melon and stonefruit to rich and buttery.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Planted in many parts and producing a medium-bodied wine, Cabernet is slightly firmer when grown inland at higher elelvations.
Shiraz
Not only the longest established in the region, the Shiraz is arguably the most successful variety, particularly around the Peel Estate. Overall, the style is medium-bodied with sweet, fine, ripe tannins.
Location
The Peel wine region, located south of Perth is centred around one of Australia’s fastest growing sub regions, Mandurah and stretches from the Indian Ocean to the Darling Scarp and beyond to the Darling Plateau.
The Peel wine region is nestled between the Perth Hills wine region to the north and the Geographe wine region to the south.
Vital Statistics
| Map Coordinates | 32°31′S |
| Altitude | 5-290Â m (16-951 feet) |
| Heat degree days, Oct-Apr | 2300-2350 (cut off at 19ºC (66.2ºF) but otherwise not adjusted) |
| Growing season rainfall, Oct-Apr | 160-280 mm (6.2-11 inches) |
| Mean January temperature | 22-23°C (72-73°F) |
| Relative humidity, Oct-Apr, 3 pm | Average 49% |
| Harvest | Mid Feb – Mid Mar |
Source: www.wineaustralia.com