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.