Eden Valley South Australia
The Eden Valley is a region of rugged beauty. The
cool climate provides ideal conditions for the production of high
quality Riesling, Chardonnay and elegant red wine.
The Eden Valley is a cool climate region nestled between 400 and
600 metres in the Barossa Range, part of the Mount Lofty Range.
It is actually not a valley but takes its name from the township
of Eden Valley. The region has one sub-region, High Eden in the
south. The main towns are Moculta, Keyneton, Eden Valley and Springton.
It is rough, rocky country that belies its ability to produce wines
of great delicacy and finesse. The star performer is Riesling with
great attention also given to the production of Chardonnay and Shiraz.
The history of the region parallels that of the Barossa Valley
which shares its eastern boundary with Eden Valley. Yalumba has
substantial vineyard holdings, and a winery at Angaston, the site
of the first vines planted by founder Samuel Smith in 1849. Henschke,
well known for red and white table wines was another pioneer estate
established at Keyneton in the late 1860s by Johann Christian Henschke.
Those in the region who were able to follow consumer trends have
emerged as the significant producers today. The return to table
wines in the 1950s fostered a steady expansion in the region through
the 80s and 90s.
Amongst the modern day pioneers was David Wynn of Coonawarra. He
first planted Chardonnay on his property Mountadam in the
area that is now registered as the High Eden Sub-region.
If you are in the Barossa, don't miss out on a visit to Eden Valley,
for although it is primarily a vineyard region there are a good
number of cellar doors.
Harvest time: mid to late April
High Eden Sub-region, South
Australia
Being the highest point in Eden Valley, High Eden is also one of
the coolest. Minerally, limey Riesling is one of the stars of this
region.
The area was pioneered by Joseph Gilbert who established vineyards
at Pewsey Vale, the highest point in the Eden Valley. This is fairly
tough country to farm because of the hilly terrain and poor sandy
soils The climate also brings challenges to viticulturalists dealing
with high winds and low growing season rainfall. The key varieties
grown are Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.
Harvest time: early to late April
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