Laura's Wine World: Wine Region Report: Clare Valley, Australia

Two views of parts of the Clare Valley region.

Introduction

The distinctive combination of geology, geography, and climate of the Clare Valley, located in South Australia, results in terroir that is ideal for producing top-quality wines. One of Australia’s oldest wine regions, the Clare Valley contributes only about 2% of the Australian national grape crush; however, it wins more than 7% of all medals awarded for wine in Australia. The region has more than 40 wineries that lie along a narrow corridor, most of which are small and produce bottled wines only.

Two zoomed-out maps showing the location of Clare Valley in South Australia.

History

Clare Valley’s winemaking roots have been growing for over 150 years, making it one of the oldest wine-producing regions in Australia. Its history reaches back almost as far as that of the nearby Barossa region. The first grapes were planted in the 1840’s, first by a servant and later by a group of Jesuit Brothers who had fled religious persecution in Polish territory. They planted those first grapes at Sevenhill Cellars, the region’s first vineyard, which is still in production today. Sevenhill is still operated by Jesuit monks, and much of the wine produced there is made for Catholic religious ceremonies.

Other pieces of the region’s history can also be seen today. Part of the valley contains an old railway line which has been converted to what is now called the Riesling Trail, a 17-mile bike path. Many of the region’s restaurants and winery cellar doors are located along this trail.

A zoomed-in map of Clare Valley.

Sub-Regions

Clare Valley contains five sub-regions: Sevenhill, Clare, Watervale, Polish Hill River, and Auburn. The sub-regions reflect differing interweaving creeks and valleys, so they differ in altitude, climate, and soil type. The higher-altitude, west-facing vineyards are thought to produce the finest wines. Also favored are the southern plains of Auburn and the open expanses of Polish Hill River in the east.

Eldredge Vineyards.

Grapes and Wine

Clare Valley is best known for its Riesling wines. The area is recognized now, in Australia and internationally, as the finest region for dry wines of this variety. Almost every winery in the Clare Valley produces Riesling. Red grapes are grown here too, with the principal ones being Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Additionally, Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, and Grenache are among the many lesser varieties also grown.

The region produces a range of varietal wine styles, conveying many different approaches to winemaking in addition to the influences of the differing micro-climates and sub-regions in the valleys. Grenache is used occasionally as a varietal, and is also used as a blending constituent of red wines, as it is in many South Australian wine regions. Recently, Tempranillo and Sangiovese have also been introduced with positive results. Chardonnay is also often grown to be blended with local Semillon.

Part of a vineyard at Wendouree Cellars.

Terroir & Climate

The Clare Valley contains substantial variation in microclimate and topography, and is considered better for table wine production than that of fortified styles. It produces much better cool-climate wines than its raw climatic data and location may suggest. During the growing season, days are warm and nights are cool. This temperature variation, coupled with the character-forming ‘terra rossa’ soil, makes this region favorable for producing grapes like Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz.

Riesling’s success in the region is directly related to the climate. The diurnal temperature variation ensures that the grapes’ flavors and crisp acid are retained in the wine.

Also because of the climate and temperatures, many consider Cabernet Sauvignon to be just as successful in this region as Riesling is. This varietal’s wines can be high in body and alcohol with a good concentration of flavors and deep color.

Though Clare Valley’s Shiraz may be overlooked due to Riesling’s dominance, the climate contributes to rich and tightly structured wines of this varietal, with a long soft palate and deep color. The region’s climate and terroir clearly leave their mark on wines.

Two images of wine labels from different Clare Valley wineries.

Left: Riesling from Grosset

Right: Viognier from Pikes

NOTE: As you can see, there are many differences in the two labels, such as the fact that one displays the sub-region of Clare Valley (Polish Hill) and the other simply says 'Clare Valley.'

Miscellaneous

There are no government-sponsored agencies that control the production of wine from this region. With regards to labels, the National Label Integrity Program ensures that Australian wine is labeled honestly. The Geographical Indications Committee is responsible for describing, registering, and protecting the names of Australia’s wine zones, regions, and sub-regions.

A fun fact about the Clare Valley: There are a few large prominent wineries, but many are considered ‘boutique,’ and have small production levels. Most of the cellar doors in the region are placed close together, making it easy to go cellar-door-hopping.