Manjimup is a small wine region where vineyards are set amidst large tracts of giant jarrah, karri and redgum (marri) forest. With abundant water and fertile soil, the region is home not only to vines, but fruit orchards, vegetable gardens and farmland. Elegant cabernet sauvignon and merlot are the regional heroes, often found together in a regional blend. Pinot noir is also widely planted. The leading white variety is a medium bodied style of chardonnay in the citrus spectrum. Tropical Verdelho is also successful in a fresh WA style.
Manjimup has a long tradition of forestry and farming. Viticulture was established in the 1970s in response to favourable department of Agriculture reports. Since then, vineyards have grown to over 600 ha. Manjimup is surrounded by the regions of Pemberton, Blackwood Valley and Great Southern. The region benefits from a continental climate of warm, dry Summers and cold Winters. Temperatures are influenced by the Indian and Southern oceans and altitudes of 200-300 metres. The Warren and Donnelly rivers also flow through the region. Soils consist mainly of sandy red gravelly loams over ironstone gravel.
With a similar climate to the French region of Périgord, Manjimup is also home to innovative truffle farms or truffieres. The black truffle fungi is a rare and valuable delicacy, highly prized in gourmet cuisine for its pungent aroma and nutty flavour. It is a wonderful match with pinot noir. The Pink Lady apple (or Cripps Pink) was also pioneered in Manjimup by West Australian Agriculturalist, John Cripps.
[Manjin] - A broad-leafed edible reed, Noongar Aboriginal word
[up] - meeting place, or place of, Noongar Aboriginal word
