Grosset Polish Hill Clare Valley Riesling 2022

Region and Vineyards

The Clare Valley, situated in South Australia, is renowned for its exceptional Rieslings, and the Polish Hill vineyard stands out as one of the region's most iconic sites. This eight-hectare vineyard, located at an elevation of 460 meters, enjoys the Clare Valley’s coolest climate, ensuring a long growing season. The soils are low-fertility shales and silts, forcing the vines to work hard, which results in concentrated, small, thick-skinned berries.

The Polish Hill vineyard was planted in 1996 and is certified organic and biodynamic. Three clones of Riesling (two German and one rare local clone) thrive here, with vines yielding an average of just two bottles of wine per vine, ensuring intensity and precision in the fruit.

Winemaking

The Riesling grapes are organically grown and carefully hand-harvested in small parcels to ensure optimal quality. At the winery, the grapes are gently crushed and destemmed before undergoing a soft press with a pneumatic press to extract the purest juice. The free-run juice is fermented using neutral yeasts, preserving the vineyard’s natural expression.

Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with each clone and vine age batch fermented separately to capture the unique characteristics of the vineyard. After fermentation, the wine is meticulously blended and bottled to showcase its vibrant character and precision.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright golden hues with a clear, crystalline appearance.
• Aroma: Captivating floral aromas with hints of lime juice, beeswax, and subtle minerality.
• Palate: Lean and structured, with a refreshing minerality and vibrant lime-driven finish. The wine is complex, with layers of citrus, floral, and mineral notes, and it shows remarkable balance and finesse.
• Ageing Potential: While approachable in its youth, this Riesling is built to age gracefully over decades, developing richer texture and honeyed nuances.

Did you know?

The Polish Hill vineyard is one of Australia’s most prestigious Riesling sites. Jeffrey Grosset, inspired by his early experiences with Riesling, has transformed his eponymous winery—once an old milk depot—into a globally recognized producer of age-worthy and world-class wines.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Sashimi or Ceviche: The wine’s limey finish complements the freshness of raw fish dishes.
• Thai Green Curry: Its crisp acidity and floral notes balance the heat and aromatic spices.
• Goat Cheese Tart: The wine’s minerality and vibrant citrus cut through the creaminess of the cheese.
• Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: The slight minerality enhances the earthy flavors of asparagus while the citrus notes lift the dish.

History of Grosset

Grosset Wines was established in 1981 by Jeffrey Grosset, whose passion for Riesling began at a young age. Inspired by a bottle of Riesling his father brought home, Jeffrey pursued studies in Agriculture and Oenology, later honing his craft in Australia and Germany. He purchased an old milk depot in the town of Auburn in Clare Valley, transforming it into a state-of-the-art winery.

Over four decades, Grosset has become synonymous with excellence in winemaking, particularly for its Polish Hill and Springvale Rieslings, which have achieved cult status. Jeffrey’s meticulous attention to detail in vineyard management and winemaking has earned him international acclaim, with Grosset being recognized as one of Australia’s finest wineries.

Jeffrey has been a pioneer of sustainability in the wine industry, championing certified organic and biodynamic practices, and advocating for screwcap closures to preserve wine quality. His commitment to terroir-driven wines and environmental stewardship has set a high standard for Australian winemaking.

Region and Vineyards

Grosset Wines is located in the Clare Valley, South Australia, a region celebrated for producing exceptional Rieslings. The winery owns and manages two iconic vineyards:

• Polish Hill Vineyard: Situated in the coolest part of Clare Valley, this 8-hectare vineyard features low-fertility soils of silt and shallow shale over a thin crust of clay and gravel. The challenging terroir produces small, thick-skinned berries with intense flavor concentration.
• Springvale Vineyard: This 6-hectare vineyard in the Watervale subregion is the highest in elevation (460 meters). Its thin red loams over limestone ensure vibrant acidity and bright varietal character in the wines.

Both vineyards are certified organic and biodynamic, emphasizing Jeffrey’s commitment to sustainability and terroir expression.

Wine Range of Grosset

Grosset’s portfolio is headlined by its Rieslings, particularly the Polish Hill and Springvale labels, which are celebrated for their precision, purity, and ageing potential. Additional offerings include:

• Alea Riesling: A slightly off-dry style.
• Gaia: A Bordeaux-style blend showcasing Grosset’s expertise beyond white wines.
• Apiana: A unique blend that incorporates indigenous Italian grape varieties.

Each wine reflects Grosset’s meticulous approach to viticulture and winemaking, capturing the essence of Clare Valley’s diverse terroirs.

Did you know?

Jeffrey Grosset was instrumental in the screwcap revolution in Australia, advocating for its use to preserve the integrity and freshness of Riesling. This innovation has since become the industry standard for many premium white wines globally.