Wine regions Australia - Clare Valley

Clare Valley   South Australia

Nestled within the South Australian bush land, the vineyards of the Clare Valley are some of Australia's finest. Perfumed Riesling, delicate Semillon, aromatic Shiraz and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon are some of the highlights of this region.

The landscape of the Polish Hill River sub-region is indicative of the delicate, elegant wines that emerge from the Clare Valley.

The softly undulating hills of the Clare Valley lie 130km North of Adelaide, and one hour's drive west of the Barossa Valley. Situated in a high altitude pocket, the cold winters and long hot days during the ripening period ensures the resultant wines are rich yet austere, delicate yet robust.

The entire Clare Valley wine region covers a length of 35km and ranges between 5 - 10kms in width. It is broken up into five sub-regions; Sevenhill, Clare, Watervale, Polish Hill River, and Auburn. These sub-regions are reflective of the different interweaving valleys and creek-beds, and thus the differences in soil-type, altitude and climate. The west-facing, higher altitude vineyards are reputed to produce the finest wines. The open expanses of Polish Hill River in the east, and southern plains of Auburn are also well-favoured.

Grapes were originally planted in the region in the 1840s, first by James Green, a servant to local pioneer John Horrocks, and later by the Jesuit Brothers at Sevenhill who had fled religious persecution in Silesia (Polish territory). Sevenhill Cellars by St. Aloysius Church is still operated by the Jesuit monks and much of the wine made there is produced for Catholic religious ceremonies.

The region is dotted with quaint villages and farmsteads of locally hewn stone, and many of the cellar doors, bed and breakfasts, and restaurants are located within these pretty buildings. One building of note is Martindale Hall near Mintaro, an 1879 Georgian mansion, which featured as Appleyard College in the Australian production of Picnic At Hanging Rock.

Riesling is King in the Clare Valley. Nearly every winery in the Clare Valley produces it. Its regard is held so high that, towards the turn of the last century, a collaboration of local winemakers saw all Clare Valley Rieslings put under Stelvin screwcap seals to minimise any chances of defect.

The climate has a lot to do with the success of Riesling. A Continental climate with long hot days and cooling nights in summer contribute to the flavours and the crisp acid retained in the wine. Average summer temperatures hover around 29 degrees celsius, whereas the opposite is usual for winter. An average rainfall of 632mm (9.6 inches) and an average winter temperature of 13 degrees mean that the Clare Valley is one of mainland Australia's coolest wine-growing regions.

Savouring autumn days at Mintaro Wine

This climate also contributes to the quality of other grape varieties. Shiraz is often overlooked in this region because of the dominant Riesling, yet the cool climate and long hot summers ensure rich and tightly structured wines with deep colour and a long soft palate.

Cabernet Sauvignon also benefits from the region's terroir and the ensuing wines can be high in alcohol and body with deep colour and concentration of flavours. This grape variety is considered by many to be just as successful as the Riesling in the region.

Other grape varieties are successfully grown for quality wines. Chardonnay is often grown to be blended with local Semillon, and single varietal Grenache and Sauvignon Blanc are also a part of many a winery's repertoire.

There are a few large prominent wineries -- Taylors, Pikes and Annie's Lane --- but many of the wineries that call the Clare Valley home are considered boutique with small production levels. Most of the region's cellar doors are located close together -- making cellar door hopping easy.

An old railway line weaves through part of the valley and has been converted to the Riesling Trail, a 27km bicycle path that passes through the region from Auburn in the South to Clare in the North. Many of the winery cellar doors and restaurants are located along the way. Bicycles can be hired at Clare and Auburn at various locations.

Vintage begins in March and by the end of April, the later-ripening Riesling is harvested.

Article by Julie Donnellan
Preface paragraph by Toni Paterson