Jim Barry Watervale Riesling 2022

Region and Vineyards

The Jim Barry Watervale Riesling originates from the Watervale sub-region of the Clare Valley in South Australia, an area known for producing some of the finest Rieslings in the world. The Clare Valley is celebrated for its unique Mediterranean climate with a strong diurnal range, which allows the grapes to develop rich flavors during the warm days and preserve their natural acidity during the cool nights. This variance is essential for creating the region’s characteristic bright, refreshing, and structured Rieslings.

The Florita vineyard, where the Watervale Riesling grapes are sourced, lies on south- and east-facing slopes, a deliberate choice to protect the vines from the hot, drying winds of summer. Facing the cooler morning sun, the vines ripen at a steady pace, developing concentrated flavors and retaining a vibrant acidity. Careful vineyard management includes single cordon training with two-bud spurs to ensure a balanced canopy, allowing for optimal air circulation and shade. These methods, combined with targeted irrigation and mulching, preserve soil moisture and support uniform grape ripening across the vineyard.

Winemaking

The 2023 Watervale Riesling was crafted with a strong emphasis on purity and freshness. Grapes were harvested during the cool of the night to minimize oxidation and capture the pristine fruit character for which Clare Valley Riesling is renowned. Once at the winery, the grapes were immediately pressed without skin contact, avoiding any potential bitterness and preserving the clarity of the juice. The juice then underwent a settling period of 24 to 48 hours before being racked off its solids, resulting in a pure, bright base for fermentation.

By controlling fermentation temperatures carefully, Jim Barry retained the wine’s vibrant aromatic profile. This Riesling was bottled shortly after fermentation to lock in its youthful vigor and the fresh, zesty qualities of the vintage, capturing the purest expression of the Watervale terroir.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright, pale lemon with green highlights.
• Aroma: Intense notes of lemon zest, fresh grapefruit, and lime, underscored by a distinctive minerality.
• Palate: Crisp and lively, featuring juicy citrus and stone fruit with hints of white flowers, all balanced by a vibrant acidity and a long, mineral finish.

Did you know?

The Jim Barry winery has a legacy deeply intertwined with Clare Valley’s Riesling production. Jim Barry was the first qualified winemaker in the Clare Valley, graduating in 1947, and established the winery in 1959. His commitment to Clare Valley Riesling helped establish the region as one of Australia’s premier Riesling producers. Today, the winery remains family-owned, with Jim’s descendants continuing his dedication to quality and tradition.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Seafood Platter: The wine’s citrus acidity pairs exceptionally with fresh oysters, prawns, and calamari.
• Thai Green Curry: The wine’s zesty freshness contrasts well with the creamy, spicy notes of a coconut-based curry.
• Grilled Chicken Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: Complements the citrus and mineral undertones of the Riesling.
• Goat Cheese Tart: The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese while enhancing the dish’s flavors.

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.