Pewsey Vale The Contours Riesling 2016

Region and Vineyards

Pewsey Vale Vineyard, established in 1847, lies at 457 meters (1,500 feet) above sea level in Eden Valley, a cool-climate region nestled within South Australia’s Barossa zone. The vineyard is composed of grey sandy loam soils, and the old vines used for The Contours Riesling are planted on the site’s coolest slope, producing wines with lifted aromatics and pronounced acidity. The vineyard is farmed following organic and biodynamic principles, further enhancing the expression of place.

Eden Valley is renowned for its combination of mild summers, cool nights, and reliable diurnal range—conditions that foster slow, even ripening and vibrant natural acidity. The 2016 vintage experienced a warmer-than-average winter followed by ideal rainfall patterns during the growing season. These mild conditions allowed for excellent fruit set and flavour development, setting the stage for a superb Riesling harvest.

Winemaking

The grapes underwent a prefermentation soak on solids for 1 to 4 days, allowing for increased textural complexity and aromatics. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks using wild yeasts from the vineyard, aligning with a low-interventionist philosophy.

No malolactic fermentation was used, preserving the crisp natural acidity. The wine was then bottle-aged for five years before release, a signature element of The Contours style that imparts layers of toast and spice over the varietal purity of Riesling.

The wine is 100% Riesling, with an alcohol level of 12.5%, residual sugar of 1.9 g/L, and a taut acidity of 6.55 g/L (pH 2.91).

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale straw with green hues.
• Aroma: Classic lemon and white flower notes intertwine with bottle-aged aromas of toast, clove oil, and lemongrass.
• Palate: Concentrated lime juice layered with toasted brioche, sage oil, and lemongrass. Vibrant acidity drives the finish, balancing power and precision.

Did you know?

Pewsey Vale The Contours is only released after five years of bottle aging, making it one of Australia’s few white wines intentionally cellared before release. This commitment reflects a long-standing philosophy of showcasing Riesling’s evolution and longevity, particularly in cool-climate regions like Eden Valley.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Foie Gras: The wine’s zesty acidity cuts through the richness while toast and clove notes complement the dish.
• Five-spice duck breast: Aromatic spices play well with Riesling’s lifted citrus and aged spice nuances.
• Gnocchi with shaved truffle and olive oil: Earthy richness is balanced by the wine’s bright citrus core and umami complexity.

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.