The Clare Valley is not one single valley but a series of valleys at higher altitudes (400-500 meters) within the Mount Lofty Ranges. This elevation is the secret to its success. The warm, sunny days ensure the grapes ripen fully, while the dramatic drop in temperature at night preserves the grapes’ natural acidity.
This high diurnal range is crucial for crafting the classic Clare Valley style: intensely flavored but with a backbone of steely acidity.
]]>Located 45 minutes south of Adelaide, McLaren Vale is bordered by the Mount Lofty Ranges and the Gulf St Vincent. This proximity to the sea is crucial, as afternoon ocean breezes cool the vineyards, helping to retain acidity in the grapes and add a subtle savory character to the wines.
The region’s geology is famously complex, with a patchwork of different soil types providing a wide array of flavors and textures, even within a single vineyard.
]]>Located in South Australia, about an hour north of Adelaide, the Barossa comprises two distinct subregions: the warmer, lower-lying Barossa Valley floor and the cooler, higher-altitude Eden Valley.
The Barossa floor is ideal for ripening rich, powerful Shiraz, while the Eden Valley’s elevation and cooler temperatures are perfect for producing elegant, aromatic Riesling and more restrained Shiraz styles. The warm, dry climate ensures consistent ripening year after year.
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