Presenting a series of Sunday's showcasing the stories from Wine, Beer & Spirits of the Fleurieu.

These are reproduced with permission from Soul Publishing and Rojina Duval.

These stories feature prominent farmers, fishermen, producers and chefs – from Port Noarlunga to Cape Jervis – along with their favourite recipes and tips. Enjoy!

Six generations of stubborn, competitive growers and one equally spirited winemaker – that’s how the Oliver family describe themselves.

Living right in the heart of McLaren Vale, the Olivers produce perfect parcels of fruit on their 100-hectare ‘Taranga’ property. Their collection of small-batch, handcrafted wines speak to both variety and vintage, capturing a time and place.

“The first generation of Olivers settled as mixed farmers in McLaren Vale in 1839,” says winemaker and director Corrina Wright, describing her forefathers. “Over the generations our family planted more vineyards on the family farm, becoming one of the biggest single holdings in McLaren Vale."

Corrina and her cousins Brioni and Sam Oliver – also part of the team – are all sixth generation Olivers.

“I am just so proud to live and work on our special patch of McLaren Vale,” says Brioni, who is operations manager. “I hope that my ancestors would be proud of the wines we produce.”

Corrina and cousin Brioni Oliver are both part of the sixth generation.

While Oliver’s Taranga only makes wines from grapes grown exclusively on their vineyard, they also sell grapes to a number of other wineries each year, including d’Arenberg, Penfolds, Wirra Wirra and Seppeltsfield.

Brioni’s father, fifth generation Don Oliver, is one of McLaren Vale's most respected grape growers and is known for his technical vineyard innovations, as well as producing grapes to go into super premium and icon wines such as Penfolds Grange.

“While we have had a long love affair with McLaren Vale’s well-known varieties, we also work with some more emerging grapes,” says Corrina.

“On our vineyard you will find mataro, grenache, cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, vermentino, fiano, tempranillo, mencia, touriga and sagrantino, just to name a few!”

When asked about living on the Fleurieu, Corrina says: “I'm really proud of where I live and our community; everyone is so friendly and willing to work together to be the best they can. Also, living so close to the beach doesn’t hurt!”

In recent news, the Oliver’s Taranga 2017 HJ Reserve Shiraz received 98 points and was named as Best of the Best Shiraz in the new 2021 James Halliday Wine Companion.

CELLAR DOOR

The Oliver’s Taranga cellar door is open for tasting and sales seven days a week, 10am-4pm. “We’re proud to say our cellar door has been in the Gourmet Traveller Best Cellar Doors for five years in a row. Pop in and see why!” says Corrina.

The cellar door is contained within an original worker’s cottage, built from ironstone and limestone on the Oliver property in the early 1850s. During 2006-07, the cottage was restored by fifth and sixth generation Oliver family members, and many helpers.

“Our friendly staff are happy to show visitors our wines, while discussing the region and family history,” says Corrina.

“We also have a large deck area and wood oven, where, once a month, we celebrate with a long lunch at one of our famous ‘Porchetta Parties’. Named by National Geographic as one of the world’s best food destinations in 2019, these Porchetta Parties are ‘…unmissable’!” 

PAIRING

“2018 Oliver’s Taranga Shiraz is best served with slow-braised beef and roasted winter veggies, straight from the wood oven. Aroma – blackberry leaf, blood plums, quince paste, dark chocolate, mocha, toasty lift. Palate – bright lifted cherry berry, mulberry freshness, mouth-watering tannins, sweet fruited and dark chocolate to finish. Delish!”

ADDRESS 246 Seaview Road, McLaren Vale SA 5171

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