The Tatiara district in the lower South East of South Australia includes wine regions like Mount Gambier, Padthaway, Robe, and Wrattonbully, each with distinct mesoclimates, soil types, and topographies that influence the range of grape varieties and wine styles produced.
Mount Gambier, known for its volcanic soils and mild climate, produces balanced white wines like Chardonnay and Riesling, as well as reds such as Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon due to its cooler climate influenced by its proximity to the ocean.
Padthaway, located north of Coonawarra, is warmer and excels in white wine production, particularly Chardonnay, known for its natural acidity and fruitiness stemming from the unique soil and climate conditions of the region.
Robe, a coastal region, features diverse soil types contributing to wines like Chardonnay with apple and white peach aromas and Shiraz with a distinct spicy, black pepper, and rhubarb flavor profile, characterized by high acidity for natural freshness.
Wrattonbully, situated between Coonawarra and Padthaway, benefits from a climate similar to Coonawarra but with higher elevations and well-draining soils, leading to the dominance of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz plantings that yield structured and refined wines.