Clare Valley - South Australia

The Clare Valley is one of Australia""s oldest and most famous wine regions, in the Mid North of South Australia. It is one of the most scenic regions, presenting visitors with a series of small intimate valleys and magnificent views. The valley runs north-south, with Main North Road as the main thoroughfare, approximately 120 km north of Adelaide. Settlers from England, Ireland and Poland first moved into the region during the 1840s, producing a rich heritage of architecture and villages, which remain largely intact. Many of these buildings now accommodate the generous offering of guesthouses, premium restaurants and galleries. Vineyards were planted alongside those first villages and winemaking has continued ever since. Today visitors can take many touring routes, including the popular walking and cycling path the Riesling Trail. This 27 kilometre sealed trail provides a unique link between the villages of the valley and its richly varied landscapes. Variation is the key word when describing the topography. The region contains valleys with altitudes ranging from 300 to over 500 metres. The climate is moderately continental, with cool to cold nights and warm to hot summer days. Rainfall is predominantly in winter - spring (June - September) with an annual average of around 630 millimetres. Generally dry summers make some irrigation desirable but also ensure a minimum of fungal diseases. Varied soil types throughout the valleys are another feature, ranging from red to brown grey over basement rock. Principal red varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Both produce outstanding varietal wines, often with significant variations, which reflect winemaking styles as well as the influences of the various sub-regions. The most important white variety is Riesling, with the Clare Valley regarded as its Australian home. There is a significant consistency in style and quality of Riesling wine in this region, which has won national and international renown. Riesling typically starts life as a floral, limey, slightly austere wine and quickly blossoms with tastes of passionfruit, orange blossom and a touch of lightly browned toast. A number of have recently introduced alternative grape varieties, adding to the diversity of wine styles available.