Terre à Terre – Crayères Vineyard
Wrattonbully, South Australia
Region Overview
The Crayères vineyard is located in the Wrattonbully GI, just north of Coonawarra and south of Padthaway. Wrattonbully is a relatively new wine region, officially recognized in 2005, and is part of the larger Limestone Coast GI (1996). Despite its recent recognition, the first plantings date back to 1969, including Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay. Wrattonbully now encompasses around 2,600 hectares, dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon.
The region’s terroir is similar to Coonawarra, with limestone ridges and terra rossa soils. Vineyards are positioned east of the Kanawinka Fault on older limestone and soil sediments (35 million years old vs. 800,000 for Coonawarra), with a climate comparable to Bordeaux (GDD ~1,350).
Geology & Soil
Purchased in 2004, the 8-hectare Crayères vineyard sits atop a 35-million-year-old Oligocene limestone ridge, covered with terra rossa soils. The eastern slope is overlaid with Bridgewater eolian sands. During vineyard preparation, the entrance to a limestone cave network was discovered, inspiring the vineyard’s name. The Crayères cave contains undisturbed fossilized megafauna, a unique feature set for future research.
Vineyards & Varieties
Sauvignon Blanc – Hand-picked 24–26 February 2021 at perfect ripeness; whole-bunch pressed for the Crayères cuvée, fermented in demi-muids. The Down to Earth cuvée underwent partial whole-bunch pressing and cold stainless steel fermentation.
Shiraz – Harvested 25 March 2021, cold macerated pre-fermentation, fermented in open-top and Potter fermenters, then pressed for malolactic fermentation in tank before oak maturation.
Cabernet Franc – Harvested 31 March and 7 April 2021, fermented with cold maceration in Potter and open-top fermenters, finishing malolactic fermentation in tank.
Cabernet Sauvignon – Harvested 7–9 April 2021 at flavor ripeness, fermented in Potter and small open-top fermenters, pressed after one month of maceration, now undergoing malolactic fermentation before oak aging.
2021 Vintage Report
The 2021 vintage in Wrattonbully was marked by perfect growing conditions: good early spring rainfall, warm and dry November, and mild post-veraison weather. Despite slightly below-average rainfall overall, the cool temperatures during February and March optimized ripening, producing exceptional fruit quality across all varieties. The vintage is expected to match the excellence of the 2019 and 2020 vintages, delivering classic red blends and outstanding Sauvignon Blanc.
Philosophy & Approach
Crayères Vineyard reflects a commitment to precise viticulture and site expression. Low trellis systems, careful bunch thinning, and meticulous harvesting ensure fruit is picked at optimal ripeness. The wines are crafted to highlight the cool-climate characteristics of Wrattonbully, with balance, complexity, and elegance.