Clare Valley
Clare Valley
The pretty, picturesque region of the Clare Valley, 130 kilometres north of Adelaide, is one of Australia's oldest, with the first grapes planted in the mid-1800s. Most vineyards are located at elevations between 400 and 500 metres above sea level, and variation among the growing sites is distinct, thanks to shading and the climatic differences between the valley floors and sun-facing slopes. Soils are a mixture of alluvial material and limestone. Warm summers and cold nights help produce long-ripening fruit that has fresh, clean acidity. All of these growing conditions make one variety, Riesling, stand above the rest in the Clare Valley. Exotic, punchy flavours of bright lime and crisp apple, a nervy, mineral acidity and the ability to age for 20 years or more, makes for one of the great wines of the world. It's not all about the white stuff in the Clare Valley, however. Shining examples of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon can also be found, and have a touch more definition and sophistication than the bold wines from warmer areas.
