The Skilly Valley is high and rocky and dry grown vines have to work hard, producing “focussed” Rieslings and “elegantly structured” reds. Water, as always, is a primary consideration in the Clare Valley, a region that lies just south of the so-called Goyder’s Line, a line across South Australia which marks the limit of reliable rainfall for agriculture. Long-term secure water is now considered a number one priority for the region. The creep of urban development through Roseworthy and Two Wells is seeing water flow prioritised for housing, leaving agriculture to go it alone. Wine producers have lobbied government for a long-term recycled water supply. In the meantime, many producers have turned to alternative or next generation grape varieties, namely those from Italy, Spain and Portugal, that maintain their acidity and lap up hot, dry conditions. Grapes such as fiano, montepulciano, sangiovese, tempranillo and more are going into the ground, and are not only well- suited to their new environment but thriving. It wasn’t always so easy. When Marnie Roberts at Matriarch & Rogue began her brand in 2014, she started with tempranillo and sangiovese. “Honestly, they took a few years to kick off, but these two are my biggest selling reds now.” Another big believer in alternatives is Jamie Pike at Pikes, who makes three Sangioveses. “It’s our most widely planted red grape variety, which is an indication of how seriously we are backing it.” Clare Valley old vines dating back to the 1800s now share land and retail shelf space with a host of beginners and exciting white and red grape varieties. And, as our 2025 Clare Valley regional tasting shows, the combination works particularly well..
South Australia Wine Guide 2026 | Clare Valley
181
Powered by FlippingBook