Oct 06 2010
Grapes Grown in Clare Valley
One of South Australia’s vineyard and winery spots is Clare Valley. It is 120 km north of Adelaide. Its wineries have established the region’s interest in growing grapes thus making viniculture and wineries as major Clare Valley attraction.
Clare Valley is the most appropriate area for developing grapes because of its complimentary weather and distinctive geography. Its climate is characterized by hot summers and cold winters. Its soil consists of the substances needed by the fruit. Furthermore, its hills and valleys ranging from 300 to 1000 meters are advantageous to the vineyards.There are four well known types of grapes grown in Clare Valley namely the Riesling, Chardonnay, Semillon and Shiraz.
Chardonnay is a green grape that produces white wine. It’s the variety of grape that is very flexible because the flavor of its fruit is very much relying on how it is grown. Moreover, the personal taste of its wine defines how it is made- if it’s thru oak or malolactic fermentation. In terms of food and wine pairing, Chardonnay is excellent with hot Asian cuisines, smoked fish and white meat. Its origin can be tracked from France and it was then brought in to Australia by James Busby in 1832.
Shiraz also known as Syra is the world’s most planted grape. Shiraz’s beginning is in Persia, which then produced and widely grown in France. It was spread to South Australia in 1839 by James Buby- a Scotsman who is regarded as Father of Australian wine industry. The variety has a thick blackish purple skin. It is responsible for producing dry red table wines. It generally grows in warmer areas for it involves heat to ripen .Its wine is alcoholic, aromatic, and a bit spicy rather than fruity. It is identified to be combined with other types of wine such as a bit of Viognier, equal blending of Chardonnay, and a minor blending of Grenache and Mourvèdre. Shiraz wine is a perfect coordinate for red meats such as ham, wild boar, beef, rack of lamb and roasted venison. It’s also best with roasted veggies, cheese, rice and pasta dish.
Riesling is a white or could also be red-skinned variety of grape that produces quality white wines. It is the type of grape which is best when harvested late popularly termed as “noble rot”. It generates three tastes of wines -the dry wine, semi sweet and sweet. The three types are determined by its harvesting stage. As documented, its heritage can be tracked from Germany and spread throughout the areas of Europe, Asia, North America and Australia. It is presented in Australia by John Ainsworth Horrocks in 1840. Currently, Riesling in Clare Valley has become the finest Riesling wine producer in the world.
A grape with a golden skin is called Semillon. It produces white wines. Its origin could not be tracked however it is widespread France and Australia. It started in Australia in 1800. The fruit is strong and easy to grow. While Riesling and Chardonnay are highly acidic, this variety turns to be the opposite. Just like Shiraz, Semillon wine is often mixed with other wines such as sweet flavors of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. This is perfect for seafoods, chicken, turkey, vegetable lasagna , seafoods and cheese.
The stated varieties are just few of the grapes that are cultivated in the region.There are also other types such pinot noir, grenache, merlot and cabernet franc but they’re not widely produced in the region. There are a total of fifty-one vineyards found in Clare Valley. The vineyards cover 11,000 acres of the place. These vineyards preferred their Clare Valley accommodation thus allowing winery as the center of Clare Valley attraction.
