South Australia - Mount Lofty Ranges Zone - Clare Valley
4 important questions on South Australia - Mount Lofty Ranges Zone - Clare Valley
What is unique about the climate of Clare Valley, Australia?
- It has a warm, moderately continental climate.
- Located on the northern part of Mount Lofty Ranges.
- It is warm but tempered by cool afternoon breezes and cold nights
- Wide diurnal range to slow ripening and retain acidity in the grapes.
- Rain falls mainly in winter. Dams are build for irrigation.
- Humidity is low, therefore risk of fungal diseases is low.
- ideal for Riesling
Where are the vineyards planted in Clare Valley, Australia
- At 300-500m above sea level.
- Various microclimates due to ridges, hills and valleys.
- White grapes: higher altitude
- Black grapes: on lower, warmer sites.
- Mostly machine-harvested
Which varieties are planted in Clare Valley, Australia. What is special about their growing environment?
- Black varieties 72%; Shiraz almost half of those; also Cabernet Sauvignon; distinctive mint and eucalyptus.
- White variety Riesling is well-known, over 25% of total plantings; age-worthy wines
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Clare Valley Riesling is well-known. What makes it so unique?
- White variety Riesling is over 25% of total plantings
- Needs to be protected from sunburn; region has intense sunlight and low latitude.
- Thick canopy needed.
- Dry fermented with trademark lime aromas
- Higher acidity than Eden Valley
- Different soil types:
- Polish hill: slate, low in fertility, less aromatic, flintier style, develops honey and toast.
- Watervale: limestone soils, more fertile, more aromatic, floral style.
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