clare valley
south australia
The Clare Valley wine region is situated in South Australia's Mount Lofty Ranges to the north of Adelaide. It is another one of Australia's small wine regions that is globally acclaimed for producing world-class wines.
The region has a rich history of being settled in the early 1800's, shortly after which wine production began. The Clare Valley is made up of five districts, Auburn, Watervale, Sevenhill, Polish Hill River and Clare, producing varying styles of wines from the light and fresh through to the bold and rich.
facts about the region
Area
South Australia
Total vineyard area 5,093 ha
Altitude 190-609 m
Latitude -34.107
Growing season rainfall 232 mm
Mean temperature (Jan) 22.3 C
Top Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon
Shiraz
Riesling
Climate
The temperature varies from hot summers and cool winters, with a significant drop through the night. The regions warm climate is cooled by the afternoon breezes and cooler nights.
Soil
The region boasts 11 different soil types from red top soils with limestone sub-soils in Watervale, to the broken slate in the Polish Hill district.
The soil diversity supports the production of varying wine varieties.
Hero Grape Varieties
The Clare Valley is world famous for the light citrus flavours of its Riesling.
Shiraz produced in this region is full-bodied boasting flavours of blackberry and mint, while the Cabernet Sauvignon is a darker and richer wine style.
