The tiny-but-mighty Clare Valley accounts for just 1.3 per cent of Australia's grape crush, but the wines it produces are world-renowned. It's one of our country's oldest regions, however its winemakers thrive on innovation and experimentation. Here are four wines to try.
2020 Claymore Dark Side of the Moon Shiraz
Dark berry, almost mulberry fruit, blends seamlessly with fine oak and fruit tannins, contributing to the deep and persistent structure of this wine. A powerfully elegant wine, there is a clear suggestion of the complexity to develop with further time in bottle.H. What do you love about this wine?
General manager Carissa Major says: Our Dark Side of the Moon Shiraz is a classic crowd pleaser, and we love to make people happy. We craft this wine with an eye and aim to continuously improve on previous vintages, capturing bright primary fruit and lush rich flavours. I particularly enjoy seeing those elements come together seamlessly in the bottle.
Suggested food pairing: The cool climate elements of white pepper and spice marry so well with lightly-spiced dishes but the rich, warm characters also pair well with a well-aged steak or a lamb ragu.
RRP $25 | Drink to 2028 | claymorewines.com.au
2018 Kilikanoon Prodigal Grenache
Crafted from 70-year-old grenache vines, the Prodigal Grenache epitomises the power and elegance possible in this classic Clare Valley variety. Lifted red berries and dark cherry aromas, with a fresh and lively combination of ripe cherries, and dark chocolate and spice wrapped up in fine, chalky tannins with a long flavoursome finish.H. What do you love the winemaking process?
Chief winemaker Peter Warr says: We use traditional winemaking techniques in a modern way. The vineyard is dry-grown, hand-pruned and hand-harvested. In the winery the selected vineyards are vinified separately and then gently basket pressed before final blending. In this way you end up with a wine that has concentrated flavours, yet a soft and smooth texture.
Suggested food pairing: Pair the Prodigal with a confit of duck and beetroot salad, it's the ultimate indulgence for all seasons.
RRP $40 | Drink to 2025 | kilikanoon.com.au
2020 O'Leary Walker Wines Nero d’Avola
Intense and juicy raspberry and blueberry fruit persist with undertones of sweet spice. A soft, silky texture of elegant tannins carry to a lingering finish.H. What do you love about this wine?
Winemakers Jack Walker and Luke Broadbent say: Our nero d'Avola is the perfect accompaniment for summer afternoons with friends. We love its vibrancy, freshness, and fruit-driven style. The short maturation in oak, showcases the fruit.
Suggested food pairing: A hearty pasta.
RRP $28 | Drink to 2027 | olearywalkerwines.com
2021 Skillogalee Trevarrick Riesling
'Trevarrick' was the original name of the Skillogalee property when it was first settled by Europeans in the 1850s, and we use it to honour estate fruit of the very highest quality and varietal character. This wine sings with perfumed notes and hints of lime pith and elderflowers, and it's infused with the crystalline and spicy qualities of both fruit and soil. We think it’s irresistible.H. What do you love about this wine and the winemaking process?
Spokesperson Lisa Clausen says: This wine embodies our approach to winemaking – a deep respect for this land, its history and the stunning fruit it consistently produces – alongside our passion for producing hand-crafted, innovative wines of exceptional quality. Every bottle reflects our commitment to capturing and sharing the essence of this unique place.
Suggested food pairing: A bowl of fresh linguine tossed with South Australian prawns and home-grown cherry tomatoes would be hard to beat.
RRP $52.50 | Drink to 2030 | skillogalee.com.au
Learn more about the Clare Valley in our essential guide.
This article was produced by Halliday Wine Companion in partnership with the featured wineries.
Top image credit: O'Leary Walker Wines
