History of Pewsey Vale Estate
Pewsey Vale Vineyard has a long and storied history, dating back to its establishment in 1847. It was founded by Joseph Gilbert, who was a pioneer in Australian viticulture. Gilbert recognized the potential of Eden Valley’s cool climate for grape growing and planted the first Riesling vines in the region, making Pewsey Vale the first vineyard to cultivate this variety in Eden Valley.
Over the years, Pewsey Vale has cemented its reputation as a benchmark for Australian Riesling. In the mid-20th century, under the guidance of the Hill-Smith family, the vineyard underwent significant restoration, which revived its historic plantings and reinforced its focus on Riesling. Today, under the leadership of winemaker Louisa Rose, Pewsey Vale continues to craft Rieslings that balance tradition with modern winemaking techniques, while staying true to the vineyard’s origins.
Region and Vineyards
Located in Eden Valley, a sub-region of the Barossa, Pewsey Vale Vineyard benefits from high-altitude, cool-climate conditions that are ideal for producing Riesling. The vineyard is set at 500 meters above sea level, where the combination of cool nights and warm days allows for slow ripening, resulting in grapes with intense flavor and bright acidity.
The soils in the vineyard are primarily shallow sandy loams with quartz and schist gravels, providing excellent drainage and promoting the development of deep-rooted vines. These soil characteristics, coupled with north and north-east facing slopes, ensure optimal sun exposure and contribute to the vineyard’s signature mineral-driven wines.
Pewsey Vale’s commitment to sustainable viticulture is evident in its minimal intervention approach, which allows the vineyard’s natural biodiversity to flourish. This respect for the environment ensures that each vintage captures the essence of the terroir, resulting in wines of purity and finesse.
Wine Range
Pewsey Vale is singularly focused on producing Riesling. The vineyard offers a range of Riesling expressions, each showcasing the versatility and aging potential of this noble variety. The range includes:
- Pewsey Vale Vineyard Riesling: The flagship wine, representing the purest expression of the vineyard with vibrant citrus flavors and a crisp, mineral finish.
- Pewsey Vale 1961 Block Riesling: A wine made from the estate's oldest vines, offering depth, complexity, and aging potential.
- Pewsey Vale Museum Reserve: A carefully aged Riesling that demonstrates the grape’s capacity to evolve over time, developing complex secondary notes while maintaining its vibrant acidity.
Did You Know?
Pewsey Vale was the first vineyard to plant Riesling in Eden Valley, making it a trailblazer for this varietal in Australia. This pioneering spirit has led to Pewsey Vale becoming a reference point for high-quality Riesling, both domestically and internationally.
