Wine from Clare ValleySouth Australia, Australia

The Clare Valley, located in South Australia, approximately 120 kilometres north of Adelaide, is one of Australia's oldest and most prominent wine regions. Renowned for its stunning scenery and a climate conducive to producing a variety of exceptional wines, Clare Valley holds a venerated position in the wine world.

History of Clare Valley

The history of viticulture in Clare Valley dates back to the 1830s, but it was not until the 1850s that the region saw significant development. Pioneered by European settlers, notably including Jesuit priests who planted the first vineyards near Sevenhill to produce sacramental wine, the region quickly established itself as a centre for quality wine production. Over the centuries, it has maintained its heritage and continued to evolve, today stands as a symbol of viticultural expertise with a strong focus on quality over quantity.

Terroir of the Clare Valley

The terroir of Clare Valley is distinct. The region enjoys a continental climate, characterized by cool-to-cold nights and warm-to-hot summer days. This significant diurnal temperature variation is crucial for slowing the ripening of grapes, allowing them to develop fuller flavours while retaining the acids so vital to structure and longevity. The higher elevations of some vineyards also contribute to this effect. The soils in Clare Valley are varied, including loamy, red clay, slate, and limestone, offering a rich tapestry that contributes complexity to the wines produced here.

Popular Grape Types and Wine Styles

Clare Valley is perhaps best known for its Riesling, regarded by many as amongst the best in the world. Clare Valley Riesling is celebrated for its precision, aromatic intensity, and the balance between fruitiness and crisp acidity, often developing exceptional complexity as it ages. Apart from Riesling, the region also successfully cultivates Shiraz, which is valued for its depth and intensity, featuring vibrant fruit and spice notes. Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are also prominent, displaying the characteristic expressiveness of the region.

Top Wineries of the Clare Valley:

Grosset:

Grosset Wines is synonymous with top-tier Australian Riesling and is widely considered a benchmark producer in the Clare Valley. Founded by Jeffrey Grosset in 1981, the winery rapidly gained acclaim for its precise and intensely flavored Rieslings. The Grosset Polish Hill Riesling, from a subregion of the Clare Valley, stands as an iconic expression of the variety. This wine is celebrated for its extraordinary minerality, laser-like acidity, and exceptional aging potential. Its consistent quality and characteristic Clare Valley vibrancy have cemented Polish Hill Riesling's status among connoisseurs as one of Australia's most prestigious and sought-after Rieslings.

Jim Barry Wines:

A standard-bearer for both quality and innovation in Clare Valley, Jim Barry Wines was established in 1959 and has developed a reputation for premium Riesling and Shiraz. The winery's "The Armagh" Shiraz is a flagship offering, illustrating the depth and complexity that Clare Valley's terroir can produce.