Cabernet Sauvignon
The most widely cultivated red wine grape in the world. It has powerful tannins, deep color, and potential for long aging. Known for its cassis and blackberry aromas, it gains complexity through barrel aging.
A narrow chain of valleys in the hills north of Adelaide in South Australia, at 300 to 500 metres elevation. Renowned as Australia’s benchmark Riesling region, it produces bone-dry whites with piercing lime-like acidity and a steely frame. Hot days and cold nights create a wide diurnal range that allows concentrated fruit and high acidity to coexist.
Climate / Soil
- Climate
- Continental climate with a wide diurnal range
- Soil
- Terra rossa over limestone, Slate and shale, Sandy loam
Appellations
- Clare Valley
- Polish Hill River
- Watervale
- Auburn
History
Settlement began in the 1840s, and in 1851 the Jesuits established a winery at Sevenhill. What started as sacramental wine production has continued unbroken to this day. In 2000 the region’s producers moved collectively to screwcaps, a decision taken to protect Riesling quality that influenced the wider wine industry.
Sommelier Note
Clare Valley Riesling leads with taut lime and grapefruit acidity in youth, then shifts strikingly after a few years as toast and honey emerge. Jeffrey Grosset is the producer who lifted the region’s Riesling to international standing, and these wines lighten fried dishes and anything with vinegar.
Key Varieties
Syrah
A powerful variety native to France's Rhône Valley. Known for its deep color and aromas of dark fruits, spices, and smoke. In Australia, it's called 'Shiraz' and made in a more fruit-forward style.
Riesling
A noble white wine grape native to Germany. Made in styles ranging from dry to extremely sweet, it has remarkable aging potential. Known for high acidity and delicate aromas, with aging it develops a distinctive 'petrol' aroma.