A Rich History of Winemaking
The Clare Valley's winemaking tradition dates back to the 1850s, when Jesuit priests established the first vineyards to produce sacramental wine. Over the years, this initial foray into viticulture evolved into a vibrant and thriving wine industry. Today, the region boasts over 40 cellar doors, each with its own unique story and approach to winemaking. The Clare Valley is particularly famous for its Riesling, which thrives in the region's cool climate and limestone-rich soils, but it also produces exceptional Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and other varietals.
Unique Terroir and Ideal Climate
One of the key factors that make the Clare Valley an exceptional wine region is its unique terroir. The valley is characterized by a series of rolling hills and fertile valleys, with altitudes ranging from 300 to 500 meters above sea level. This varied topography, combined with the region's Mediterranean climate—featuring warm days and cool nights—creates ideal conditions for growing high-quality grapes.
The soils of the Clare Valley are equally diverse, ranging from rich red clay to limestone and slate. This diversity allows winemakers to produce a wide variety of wine styles, each with its own distinct character. The combination of climate, soil, and skilled viticulture practices ensures that Clare Valley wines are consistently of the highest quality.
The Grapes that Define Clare Valley
Riesling – The Jewel of Clare Valley
Clare Valley is synonymous with Riesling, producing some of the finest examples of this varietal globally. Known for its vibrant acidity, intense citrus flavors, and remarkable aging potential, Clare Valley Riesling is celebrated for its purity and elegance. Whether enjoyed young or after years of cellaring, it offers an exceptional tasting experience that is distinctly Clare.
Shiraz – The Bold and the Beautiful
The region’s Shiraz is another standout, showcasing a unique expression of this classic grape. Clare Valley Shiraz is characterized by its rich, robust flavors, with notes of dark berries, spice, and a hint of chocolate. This wine perfectly balances power with finesse, making it a favorite among red wine enthusiasts.
Cabernet Sauvignon – Elegance in a Glass
Clare Valley's Cabernet Sauvignon is revered for its depth and complexity. The region’s warm days and cool nights create ideal conditions for this grape, resulting in wines that are both full-bodied and refined. With flavors of blackcurrant, cedar, and mint, Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to the region's winemaking prowess.
Other Notable Varietals
While Riesling, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon dominate, Clare Valley also excels in producing exceptional Grenache, Merlot, and Chardonnay. Each varietal is crafted with meticulous care, reflecting the unique terroir of the region and the innovative spirit of its winemakers.
Climate and Altitude
Clare Valley has a warm climate but plummeting night time temperatures keep things cool for the grapes, which is important for varieties like Riesling. Some vineyards sit as high as 500 metres and have cooler temperatures than those lower down.
The Clare Valley is a hilly wine region, home to five districts – Auburn, Watervale, Sevenhill, Polish Hill River and Clare – that each produce distinct wine styles, from the light and elegant to the rich and robust.
Growing Season Rainfall - 232MM
Mean Temperature - 22.3C
Altitude - 190 - 609M
The summers are warm to hot and the winters are cool, which is also when most rain falls. Cold nights and afternoon breezes mean that even though it’s a warm-climate region it doesn’t always feel that way.
