Clare Valley - SA

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).
Clare Valley Riesling is one of the world’s great wines. Different in style to the ‘ultra-tight’ and often sweet Rieslings of Germany and Austria, Clare Valley Riesling is slightly broader and more approachable when young, although still quite steely with some limey-citrus and slight passionfruit overtones. As it ages the wine slowly becomes more and more complex and mouth-filling, showing off distinct toasty-honey flavours. These Rieslings often age very well for ten years and more in the best vintages.
The climate has a lot to do with the success of Riesling. Its Continental climate contributes to the flavours and the crisp acid retained in the wine. Average summer temperatures hover around 29 °C. An average rainfall of 632mm and an average winter temperature of 13 °C mean that the Clare Valley is one of mainland Australia's coolest wine-growing regions.
This climate also contributes to the quality of other grape varieties such as Shiraz. 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.