Ministry of Clouds Clare Valley Riesling 2021

Ministry of Clouds Clare Valley Riesling 2021

 

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Ministry of Clouds
Clare Valley Riesling 2021
  • Vintage : 2021
  • Country : Australia
  • Region : Clare Valley
  • Subregion :
  • Type : White
  • Style : Medium Bodied Aromatic Dry
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 12,4°
  • Grappes : 100% Riesling

Crafted from carefully selected vineyard sites in Watervale, Penwortham, and Sevenhill, this wine reflects a cool vintage, resulting in a fresh, crisp profile with intense minerality and acidity.

Experts Score Vintage
RP Robert Parker 94 2021
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

This Riesling is sourced from premium vineyards across the Clare Valley, one of Australia’s most renowned Riesling regions. Approximately 75% of the fruit comes from the famed Watervale subregion, known for its distinctive red loam over limestone soils, often referred to as "The Golden Mile." This soil composition contributes a vibrant minerality and structure, with staggered picking times to preserve the natural acidity. The remaining fruit is sourced from the rocky soils of Penwortham and the cooler, later-ripening vineyards in Sevenhill. These varied terroirs enhance the wine’s complexity, bringing both intensity and finesse to the blend.

The vintage was the coolest growing season since 2002, allowing the Riesling to develop slowly over time. The cool temperatures helped to retain low Baumes and healthy natural acids, leading to a wine with refined flavors and vibrant freshness. The result is a Riesling with lifted aromatics and a mineral backbone that truly reflects the unique attributes of the Clare Valley.

Winemaking

The Ministry of Clouds Clare Valley Riesling is crafted with minimal intervention to highlight the natural purity of Riesling. The grapes are hand-harvested from each vineyard block at optimal ripeness, preserving the delicate aromatics and bright acidity. Fermentation is carried out in stainless steel to maintain freshness, allowing the natural character of each vineyard site to shine through without influence from oak.

No malolactic fermentation is conducted, ensuring the wine’s taut acid profile remains intact. The wine is bottled early to capture its youthful vibrancy, with a focus on preserving the delicate floral and citrus notes typical of Clare Valley Riesling. This approach results in a Riesling that is both elegant and refreshingly vibrant, with a clean, mineral-driven finish.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Pale straw with green hues, indicative of freshness.
  • Aroma: Delicate floral notes of kaffir lime, fresh lemon juice, and grapefruit pith, complemented by subtle hints of talc and bath salts.
  • Palate: Crisp and focused, with classic citrus flavors and a chalky, mineral texture. The finish is long and taut, with a fine acid line that leaves the palate refreshed.

Did You Know?

Riesling is one of the most transparent grape varieties, showcasing the purest expression of terroir. The Ministry of Clouds team values Clare Valley Riesling for its crystalline and fragile character, aiming to craft a wine that reflects the essence of place without heavy winemaking intervention.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Prawn and garlic chive dumplings with chili oil: The bright acidity and mineral freshness of the Riesling balance the richness of dumplings and spice.
  • Spicy seafood salad: Complements the wine’s citrus notes and enhances its refreshing finish.
  • Grilled calamari with lemon and herbs: The wine’s acidity and citrus flavors align beautifully with the zesty, savory flavors of calamari.
  • Thai green papaya salad: The vibrant acidity and crisp fruit notes match well with the salad’s fresh and spicy profile.

History of Ministry of Clouds

Ministry of Clouds was founded in 2012 by Bernice Ong and Julian Forwood with a singular purpose: to create wines designed with gastronomy in mind. This venture was born from their shared desire to live a life immersed in wine—to be their own distinct voice in a bustling industry. After years spent working for others, they sought the freedom to focus on varieties and vineyards they truly loved, savoring the independence to experiment, take risks, and fuel the passion that drives them.

Their love for wine began long before their journey into viticulture and winemaking. Both began their careers with Australia’s finest importers of rare and fine old-world wines, gaining profound exposure to the best of Burgundy, Piedmont, the Rhône, and beyond. Building on this foundation, they transitioned to working for renowned family-owned wineries in McLaren Vale, amassing a combined 16 years of experience. This period allowed them to connect with growers, explore vineyards, observe the seasons’ nuances, and, most importantly, taste extensively across McLaren Vale.

These years taught them the dedication and sheer resolve needed to identify and cultivate exceptional vineyards, to shepherd the resulting fruit through fermentation and aging, and to find partners worldwide willing to share these stories. It was during this journey that they realized that if they wanted to continue in the world of wine, they needed to work for themselves and create their own wines.

Thus, Ministry of Clouds was born. The name symbolizes the illusion of control in winemaking. For these two perfectionists working with nature, it serves as a comforting reminder that the magic of winemaking relies as much on the arbitrary and unpredictable as it does on their intent and precision. They govern what they can; the rest is left to chance. Perhaps that’s simply life itself…

Region and Vineyards

Based in McLaren Vale, Ministry of Clouds has access to some of Australia’s most diverse and ancient terroirs. McLaren Vale itself, with its warm, Mediterranean climate and complex geological composition, provides ideal conditions for growing Shiraz and Grenache. The Ministry of Clouds team prioritizes sustainable vineyard practices across its sites, combining traditional knowledge with modern techniques to enhance soil health and vine resilience.

Ministry of Clouds owns the Chase Vineyard, an 11-hectare plot situated on the dramatic slopes of the Onkaparinga Gorge. This vineyard, established on rock formations dating back over 650 million years, is planted on Maslin Sand and Ironstone soils that create a low-yield environment, concentrating flavors in the fruit. Perched at around 200 meters in elevation, the vineyard’s location exposes it to cooling breezes, which helps maintain acidity and adds to the aromatic intensity of the wines. This unique combination of soil, altitude, and climate results in wines with structure, freshness, and a deep sense of place.

In addition to McLaren Vale, Ministry of Clouds sources fruit from carefully selected, sustainably managed sites in the Clare Valley and Tasmania. The Clare Valley vineyards, known for their limestone-rich soils, produce vibrant Riesling with high acidity and minerality. Tasmania’s cool-climate vineyards offer a distinctive style of Chardonnay, with brightness and precision that contrast with McLaren Vale’s fuller-bodied reds. This commitment to sourcing from diverse regions across Australia enables Ministry of Clouds to create a nuanced portfolio, each wine reflecting the character of its origin.

Wine Range of Ministry of Clouds

The Ministry of Clouds portfolio showcases key varietals that highlight Australia’s regional diversity, including:

  • Ministry of Clouds Blewitt Springs Single Vineyard Shiraz: Showcased in both single-vineyard expressions from Blewitt Springs and Onkaparinga Rocks, with each bottling representing the terroir of McLaren Vale.
  • Ministry of Clouds Grenache: Known for its delicate red fruit, fine tannins, and aromatic layers, sourced from old vines in McLaren Vale.
  • Ministry of Clouds Tasmania Chardonnay: Sourced primarily from Tasmania, bringing a fresh, cool-climate elegance and minerality to the portfolio.
  • Ministry of Clouds Clare Valley Riesling: From Clare Valley, characterized by vibrant acidity, purity, and intense mineral notes.
  • Ministry of Clouds Kintsugi: A unique blend inspired by the Japanese art of “golden joinery,” where each varietal component is thoughtfully integrated to create harmony and complexity.

Did You Know?

The name "Ministry of Clouds" symbolizes the founders’ philosophy of embracing both old and new winemaking approaches, grounded in tradition yet open to innovation. The winery is committed to Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certification for all its vineyards, underscoring their dedication to environmental responsibility and the long-term health of the land.

History of Ministry of Clouds

Bernice Ong and Julian Forwood founded Ministry of Clouds after years of working in Australia’s wine industry, where they developed a shared passion for crafting wines that honor the land and the nuances of each site. Their journey was fueled by a desire for independence and creativity, culminating in the establishment of Ministry of Clouds, a winery devoted to small-batch production and sustainable practices. Their aim has been to blend traditional winemaking with a forward-thinking philosophy, emphasizing transparency, integrity, and respect for nature.

Bernice and Julian left established careers at iconic wine estates to follow this vision, adopting an approach that balances precision with restraint. Their work is rooted in sustainable viticulture and low-intervention winemaking, inspired by their belief that great wines require minimal influence in the cellar. Ministry of Clouds has rapidly gained a reputation for the clarity and expressiveness of its wines, capturing the essence of each vineyard. They are committed to creating wines that resonate both with wine enthusiasts and with the land itself, respecting the unique stories and histories that each vintage brings.

Region and Vineyards

Based in McLaren Vale, Ministry of Clouds has access to some of Australia’s most diverse and ancient terroirs. McLaren Vale itself, with its warm, Mediterranean climate and complex geological composition, provides ideal conditions for growing Shiraz and Grenache. The Ministry of Clouds team prioritizes sustainable vineyard practices across its sites, combining traditional knowledge with modern techniques to enhance soil health and vine resilience.

Ministry of Clouds owns the Chase Vineyard, an 11-hectare plot situated on the dramatic slopes of the Onkaparinga Gorge. This vineyard, established on rock formations dating back over 650 million years, is planted on Maslin Sand and Ironstone soils that create a low-yield environment, concentrating flavors in the fruit. Perched at around 200 meters in elevation, the vineyard’s location exposes it to cooling breezes, which helps maintain acidity and adds to the aromatic intensity of the wines. This unique combination of soil, altitude, and climate results in wines with structure, freshness, and a deep sense of place.

In addition to McLaren Vale, Ministry of Clouds sources fruit from carefully selected, sustainably managed sites in the Clare Valley and Tasmania. The Clare Valley vineyards, known for their limestone-rich soils, produce vibrant Riesling with high acidity and minerality. Tasmania’s cool-climate vineyards offer a distinctive style of Chardonnay, with brightness and precision that contrast with McLaren Vale’s fuller-bodied reds. This commitment to sourcing from diverse regions across Australia enables Ministry of Clouds to create a nuanced portfolio, each wine reflecting the character of its origin.

Wine Range of Ministry of Clouds

The Ministry of Clouds portfolio showcases key varietals that highlight Australia’s regional diversity, including:

  • Shiraz: Showcased in both single-vineyard expressions from Blewitt Springs and Onkaparinga Rocks, with each bottling representing the terroir of McLaren Vale.
  • Grenache: Known for its delicate red fruit, fine tannins, and aromatic layers, sourced from old vines in McLaren Vale.
  • Chardonnay: Sourced primarily from Tasmania, bringing a fresh, cool-climate elegance and minerality to the portfolio.
  • Riesling: From Clare Valley, characterized by vibrant acidity, purity, and intense mineral notes.
  • Kintsugi: A unique blend inspired by the Japanese art of “golden joinery,” where each varietal component is thoughtfully integrated to create harmony and complexity.

Did You Know?

The name "Ministry of Clouds" symbolizes the founders’ philosophy of embracing both old and new winemaking approaches, grounded in tradition yet open to innovation. The winery is committed to Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certification for all its vineyards, underscoring their dedication to environmental responsibility and the long-term health of the land.

Robert Parker (RP) : 94 Points (2021)
I loved the white wines in this Ministry of Clouds release that I tasted through this year. They are wines of bracing acidity, poise and focus that are thrilling and delicious in equal measure. The fruit for this 2021 Clare Valley Riesling was handpicked from two areas within Clare—Watervale (75% of the blend, from three blocks) and the balance Polish Hill. The fruit from this latter portion is planted on contour rows, the vines grown on single stakes. The fruit was whole-bunch pressed, cold-settled and the product of an aggressive press cut: the heart only. It fermented and matured all in stainless steel. There is scintillating acidity here, which was expected but really impressive nonetheless—very pure. In the mouth, there are notes of lemon drops, pithy phenolics and plush lime flesh, with a gentle green apple skin grip through the finish.

Ministry of Clouds Shiraz 2022
Ministry of Clouds Shiraz 2022
Ministry of Clouds
Shiraz 2022
JS
93
RP
95
The Ministry of Clouds Shiraz is a fresh, vibrant expression of McLaren Vale Shiraz, blending structure with finesse.
26,50 €
Quantity : moins plus
Ministry of Clouds Blewitt Springs Single Vineyard Shiraz 2020
Ministry of Clouds Blewitt Springs Single Vineyard Shiraz 2020
Ministry of Clouds
Blewitt Springs Single Vineyard Shiraz 2020
RP
97
Produced from old vines planted in 1960, this Shiraz highlights a deep blue-fruit profile, laced with aromatic complexity and framed by fine tannins.
55,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Ministry of Clouds Onkaparinga Rocks Shiraz 2020
Ministry of Clouds Onkaparinga Rocks Shiraz 2020
Ministry of Clouds
Onkaparinga Rocks Shiraz 2020
RP
97
Sourced from the steeply sloped Chase Vineyard in the Onkaparinga Gorge, this Shiraz captures both power and finesse, with intense fruit flavors layered over a mineral-driven structure.
55,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Ministry of Clouds Kintsugi 2018
Ministry of Clouds Kintsugi 2018
Ministry of Clouds
Kintsugi 2018
RP
97
Crafted with the concept of “Kintsugi,” this wine represents the beauty of blending select parcels from each vintage, creating a layered and harmonious expression.
75,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Ministry of Clouds Tasmania Chardonnay 2021
Ministry of Clouds Tasmania Chardonnay 2021
Ministry of Clouds
Tasmania Chardonnay 2021
RP
96
JH
94
JS
93
The Ministry of Clouds Tasmania Chardonnay is a pure, tightly structured expression of Tasmanian Chardonnay, celebrated for its vibrant acidity and minerality.
39,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Wine regions guide
26,50 €
Quantity : Moins     Plus
 
 
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