Clare Valley is known to produce some of Australia’s premier riesling wines, renowned for their exquisite citrus undertones and aromas of buttered toast and kerosene.
The region boasts outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz wines, and in 2007 became one of the pioneering regions to experiment with screw cap closures on premium wines.
Riesling
Riesling is one of the world’s most adaptable wine grapes, producing wines with various levels of sweetness and body styles. Due to its delicate nature, however, harvesting and winemaking require special care in order to avoid crushing or bruising of fruit, which could drastically change its taste or texture in finished product. Furthermore, its heat sensitivity requires it be stored and transported at low temperatures in order to preserve vibrant aromas and flavors that characterize riesling wines.
Due to its versatility and ability to age well, riesling has become a go-to wine in many countries around the world. Most famously it can be found in German regions like Moselle, Rhine Valley and Alsace; it can also be found grown in Australia’s Eden & Clare Valleys as well as New Zealand and California. Quality riesling offers crisp acidity along with juicy citrus fruit flavours like citrus or stone fruits like apricot. With its natural sweetness and freshness it pairs beautifully with delicate seafood dishes or rich meat dishes and creamy desserts!
Riesling’s adaptability to various climates and soil types make it ideal for cultivation worldwide, with grapes harvested at various maturation levels from dry to very sweet. A higher level of residual sugar in riesling wine adds sweetness without adding bulk, with its acidity providing a refreshing finish for an exceptional product.
Riesling’s high acidity also contributes to its longevity, with some of the finest examples exhibiting notable tertiary aromas such as petrol or kerosene notes – although this may displease some individuals, many wine enthusiasts view these characteristics as signs of quality and take great pride in ageing riesling well.
When selecting a riesling, it is essential to pay attention to the sugar content listed on its label. A higher sugar level indicates a sweeter wine while lower alcohol levels indicate drier styles. Most rieslings should be served chilled but not ice-cold and should be removed from the refrigerator 20 minutes prior to serving for optimal results.
Shiraz
Clare Valley winemaking region is famous for producing excellent shiraz. There are several cellar doors and vineyards you can visit in Clare Valley that specialize in this unique beverage, offering samples. These wines usually boast full bodies with deep ruby colors that feature notes of black peppercorn and cloves; many shiraz wines combine multiple grape varieties for greater complexity; the finest examples may even spend some time ageing in oak barrels to allow flavors to mingle and blend more seamlessly over time.
Shiraz grapes are dark-skinned varieties that produce medium to full-bodied red wines, and is one of the most popular red varieties in Australia. Shiraz blends well with cabernet sauvignon for additional complexity; their fruity aroma and flavor often result in well-balanced wines.
Shiraz wine is also an excellent source of antioxidants that help defend against free radical damage to cells and DNA, which can damage cell structure and DNA. Shiraz contains phenolic compounds which may help lower cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease; furthermore it’s packed with protein and fiber – essential elements to keep our bodies functioning at their best!
Shiraz wine is an ideal option for anyone who enjoys red wines. This versatile vintage pairs well with meats, cheeses and vegetables – making it a healthier alternative than those high in sugar content.
Clare Valley boasts a mild climate that makes it ideal for growing grapes. Daytime temperatures tend to remain mild while nights remain cooler, helping preserve acidity in wine while its varied soil types create unique wines in this region.
Clare Valley wines are known for their elegance and balance. Many are produced in small batches for quality control purposes; Riesling production in particular stands out. Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz wines also produce in Clare Valley vineyards, along with winery owners working hard to ensure each vintage produced stands out as unique from others; along with sustainability practices that aim to reduce environmental impact.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Clare Valley wine region is best-known for producing crisp Rieslings, but they also produce full-bodied red wines of extraordinary depth and intensity. Due to the warm climate here, grapes ripen at optimal maturity allowing intense concentration and depth of flavor that enhance oak aging for these wines.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a dry, full-bodied red wine known for its earthy and savory characteristics. The flavors range from bright red fruit to licorice and graphite; tannins give this wine an almost firm, grippy finish. The amount of time the grapes spent growing will affect their flavors; those ripened further will have fruitier notes while wines with higher tannin content tend to have more savory notes.
Cabernet sauvignon is an ideal wine to pair with many different foods, from grilled meats and stews to pasta dishes and strong-flavored cheeses. The fat present in these dishes helps soften its tannic acid content and balance out its strength.
Like most red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon should be consumed slightly below room temperature for optimal enjoyment. Decanting will aerate and enhance its full potential while simultaneously clearing away any sediment that has formed within its bottle to ensure an enjoyable sip!
A good Cabernet Sauvignon should feature an extravagant, fruit-forward flavor balanced by its soft body and long finish. Too much fruit or oak could cause an overwhelming mouthfeel; too much tannic can be harsh and drying on the palette.
Sangiovese
Sangiovese is one of Italy’s most beloved red wines, famously seen as the grape behind Chianti wine and featured prominently in other Tuscan classics like Brunello di Montalcino and Rosso di Montepulciano. Sangiovese makes for an ideal wine to pair with Italian dishes as well as many other cuisines; its flavor boasts notes of black cherry, plum and red currant accompanied by velvety tannins that offer high acidity levels; it pairs beautifully with both savory meats as well as hard cheeses!
Sangiovese wines vary significantly depending on where they’re produced, from fruity Chianti wines with bold red cherry flavors and lively acidity to more complex Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino wines with layers of red fruit, herbs and leather flavors.
Sangiovese wines generally boast medium alcohol levels and medium acidity levels, making them lighter bodied than other red wines. To maximize flavour and aroma, it is recommended to serve them at room temperature or slightly chilled to bring out their best characteristics. Enjoying sangiovese can best be done alongside pasta dishes with tomato-based sauce or chicken in tomato-based tomato sauce, although you could also pair it with grilled meats as the ideal pairings for sangiovese wines.
Though not widely planted, sangiovese remains highly esteemed in Tuscany where its native soil lies. With its lively acidity and rich, savory aroma, sangiovese makes an excellent complement for classic Italian fare such as pizza or spaghetti bolognese; also excellent with grilled meats or roast vegetables; it makes an excellent pairing partner with firm cheeses such as fontina, mozzarella, pecorino or provolone cheeses.
Sangiovese wine can be found in wine shops and supermarkets as well as online. Although commonly labeled a Chianti or Super Tuscan wine, sangiovese may also come from other regions within central Italy as well as blended versions that combine Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot or even blends thereof. Furthermore, California, France and Australia all grow a substantial supply of this grape variety.