Jim Barry Assyrtiko 2021

Region and Vineyards

Clare Valley, in South Australia's Mount Lofty Ranges, enjoys warm, sunlit days and markedly cool nights, a wide diurnal range that preserves acidity and builds flavour. Vineyards sit roughly 300-500 m above sea level across a mosaic of ridges and valleys, creating pockets of differing exposure, ripening curves and soil profiles that reward site-specific plantings.

Assyrtiko for this cuvée is estate-grown, led by the Lodge Hill Vineyard on the eastern ranges (brown loam over clay and slate) with subsequent plantings at Florita in Watervale (classic terra rossa over limestone). Lodge Hill brings tension and persistence; Florita contributes generosity and mid-palate weight. Together they deliver a Clare translation of Santorini's hallmark salinity and stone.

Winemaking

This is 100% Assyrtiko. Grapes are hand-harvested and chilled to 6 °C, then gently destemmed and pressed. After cold-settling, clear juice is racked with a portion of light, "fluffy" lees. Primary fermentation proceeds cool (≈14-16 °C) over two to three weeks to preserve aromatic purity and linear acidity.

A small parcel is fermented in seasoned French barrels to layer subtle texture over the stainless-steel core; the assemblage retains a steely, mineral profile with a faint creamy cushion from lees. Bottled under screwcap; typical analysis ~12% alc., ~7.3 g/L TA, pH ~2.9, with a bone-dry taste profile.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale straw with green glints; brilliant clarity.
• Aroma: White blossom, lemon zest and wet slate, hints of grapefruit pith and honeydew; an overt saline breeze.
• Palate: Rapier-like citrus (lemon, grapefruit) over a cool, stony spine; feather-light creaminess from lees; long, bone-dry, saline finish that begs another sip.

Did you know?

Jim Barry established Australia's first Assyrtiko block in 2012 using cuttings from a single ~300-year-old, pre-phylloxera vine at Argyros on Santorini; the inaugural release followed in 2016 and garnered immediate awards attention.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled octopus with lemon & oregano — saline flesh echoes the wine's briny edge; citrus lifts the vibrant acidity.
• Kingfish crudo with olive oil and capers — purity of texture matches the wine's linear profile; capers mirror mineral notes.
• Spanakopita with feta and herbs — savoury pastry and tangy cheese are cut by the wine's acidity, while herbs chime with citrus-floral aromatics.
• Salt-and-pepper calamari — crisp batter and sweet squid play beautifully against the dry, zesty finish.

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.