Jim Barry Assyrtiko 2021

Region and Vineyards

The Clare Valley in South Australia, renowned for its distinct soils and cooler climate, provides ideal conditions for cultivating Assyrtiko. The original vines, imported by Peter Barry from the legendary vineyards of Santorini, were planted in 2012 in the Lodge Hill vineyard. This vineyard sits on the eastern ranges of Clare Valley, where brown loam overlays clay and slate bedrock, encouraging the vines to struggle slightly in the shallow soils, thereby intensifying flavor development.

Blocks of Assyrtiko are also planted in the Florita vineyard in Watervale on terra rossa soils, which contribute additional fullness and flavor generosity. The vines are single cordon trained to ensure even growth and optimal shade, producing grapes with a concentrated, expressive profile while balancing the bright acidity and minerality typical of Assyrtiko.

Winemaking

The Assyrtiko grapes were meticulously hand-harvested, chilled to preserve freshness, and then destemmed and pressed. After a cold settling, the juice was racked with a portion of fine lees to enhance texture. A cool fermentation was conducted between 14 to 16°C over two to three weeks, and a small portion of the wine was aged in French barrels to add subtle complexity and creaminess.

The winemaking process focuses on maintaining the purity of fruit and enhancing the characteristic minerality of the Assyrtiko grape, resulting in a wine that is both vibrant and texturally layered, with a long, crisp finish.

Tasting Notes

• Aroma: Citrus blossom and lemon lead the nose, with notes of honeydew melon and a hint of spice adding depth.
• Palate: Concentrated flavors of pear and grapefruit with a creamy core, marked by a flinty, mineral streak. The wine is lively, crisp, and textured, with an endless, refreshing finish.

Did you know?

The Jim Barry Assyrtiko is the result of a unique partnership between Jim Barry Wines and Gaia Wines in Santorini, representing one of the only plantings of Assyrtiko outside Greece, reflecting the shared vision and innovation of both wineries.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled Octopus with Lemon and Olive Oil: The wine’s acidity and minerality perfectly complement the smoky, briny flavors of grilled octopus, bringing out the citrus and flinty notes in the wine.
• Spanakopita (Spinach and Feta Pie): The creamy texture and slight saltiness of spanakopita match the wine’s creamy core and minerality, highlighting its citrus and floral notes.
• Seafood Paella: The vibrant flavors of seafood and saffron in paella balance the Assyrtiko’s crisp acidity, while the wine’s minerality complements the briny seafood components.
• Goat Cheese Salad with Fresh Herbs: The wine’s refreshing acidity and flinty notes pair well with the tangy goat cheese and fresh herbs, enhancing the dish’s brightness.

History of Jim Barry Wines Estate

Jim Barry was the first professionally qualified winemaker in the Clare Valley, graduating in 1947 and dedicating his life to advancing the region’s winemaking. After years with the Clarevale Co-operative, Jim and Nancy acquired their first vineyard, the Burton Cottage Estate, and began planting. In 1968, they established The Armagh vineyard, where Jim planted Shiraz that would later become the source of the winery’s flagship wine. Over the decades, Jim Barry Wines has achieved a series of industry firsts, including becoming the first Australian winery to plant Assyrtiko in 2012, sourcing cuttings from the Greek island of Santorini.

After Jim Barry’s passing, his son Peter Barry took over management, with his children Tom, Sam, and Olivia now holding key roles within the company. This dedication to family legacy has helped Jim Barry Wines earn prestigious accolades, including the 2020 Winery of the Year by Halliday Wine Companion and an Exceptional rating for The Armagh Shiraz in Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine.

Region and Vineyards

The Clare Valley is a premier winemaking region situated at the northern end of the Mount Lofty Ranges. Known for its rolling hills, Mediterranean climate, and unique soils, the region produces less than 1% of Australia’s total wine output but is celebrated for premium Shiraz and Riesling. Jim Barry Wines manages a mosaic of 17 vineyard sites over 320 hectares, each chosen for its unique soil, elevation, and climate profile.

Among the winery’s notable sites are:

• The Armagh Vineyard: Known for producing Shiraz of exceptional depth, planted on northwest-facing slopes with sandy clay and mottled clay subsoils.
• The Florita Vineyard: Located in Watervale, this historic site produces the Florita Riesling and boasts unique loam and calcareous soils ideal for high-acid Riesling.
• The Lodge Hill Vineyard: Located on the eastern ranges, it grows Riesling on south-facing slopes and Shiraz on north-facing slopes, enhancing both variety and terroir expression.

Wine Range

Jim Barry Wines offers a broad portfolio of varietals and styles, notably Riesling, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon, along with pioneering the Assyrtiko grape in Australia. Their wine range includes:

• The Armagh Shiraz: A celebrated single-vineyard Shiraz with global acclaim, noted for its depth and aging potential.
• The Florita Riesling: Crafted from historic vines, this Riesling is a benchmark of Watervale’s bright acidity and minerality.
• The McRae Wood Shiraz: Known for its intensity and elegance, this Shiraz reflects the terroir of Clare Valley’s prime Shiraz-growing sites.
• Assyrtiko: Australia’s first commercial release of Assyrtiko, capturing the vibrant acidity and minerality of this Greek variety.

Did you know?

Jim Barry Wines’ The Armagh Shiraz achieved the prestigious Exceptional status in Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine, equivalent to a “Grand Cru” rating. Additionally, Jim Barry Wines pioneered Assyrtiko in Australia, sourcing vines from Santorini, a groundbreaking introduction that reflects the Barry family’s commitment to innovation and diversity in winemaking.