One Winery to Visit If You Ever Find Yourself in Clare Valley
Learn what makes the Clare Valley a unique cool climate wine region and the historic winery every wine lover should visit there.
Clare Valley – Australia’s Famed Riesling Region
Located about 130km north of the city of Adelaide amidst the northern Mount Lofty Ranges sits Clare Valley – one of South Australia’s top wine regions long recognized for producing premium Riesling. Though this intriguing white variety still thrives here today, there is so much more waiting to be discovered in Clare Valley. The region is beyond picturesque as winding roads curve between lush hills and meandering rivers run past historic stone buildings and through colorful vineyards. Clare Valley has an epic 33km biking path known as the Riesling Trail which can be cycled in around 3 hours and connects many of the region's wineries and attractions. And with 50 wineries to choose from, a charming town, and numerous restaurants, Clare Valley truly has something for everyone.
Like many of South Australia’s other prominent wine regions, Clare Valley was settled in the 1830s by English, Irish, and Polish immigrants. Jesuits fleeing religious persecution from Silesia (Poland) were some of the first to plant vineyards in the region in the 1840s. Their vineyards were planted at Sevenhill, establishing Sevenhill Cellars in 1851 as the first winery in Clare Valley. Though the original wines were intended for sacramental use, Sevenhill Cellars is still a popular destination for Clare Valley visitors today. In addition to characteristic Clare Valley wines, Sevenhill Cellars has an underground cellar originally excavated by hand and a gorgeous winery built with stones excavated from the property. Clare Valley’s unique combination of climate, topography, and soil diversity create a terroir destined for producing vibrant, acclaimed wines.
Climate
The climate in Clare Valley is a moderate continental climate with warm to hot summer days and cool to cold nights during the growing season. The region experiences a huge diurnal temperature swing with some days reaching up to 40°C and nights cooling down to as low as 5°C. Mount Lofty Ranges’ higher elevations help with this temperature drop. The diurnal swing lowers the region’s average temperature and slows the ripening process from the daytime heat. This is one of the reasons Riesling thrives here. The long hang time helps to retain the crisp acidity Clare Valley Rieslings are known for. The large diurnal temperature difference makes it difficult to accurately classify the region from the data alone, so some consider Clare Valley to be a cool climate region.
The many hills and slopes of the region provide either protection from or exposure to cooling maritime breezes. A key factor in deciding where to plant certain varieties. Clare Valley sees around 230mm of rain during the growing season and the region’s approximate 4,300ha of vineyards range from 190-610m.
Soil
Clare Valley can be unofficially classified into 3 sub-regions—eastern Polish River, central Clare Valley, and western Skillogalee Valley. There is a diversity of grape growing conditions considering the region’s many slopes, valleys, and windswept plateaus. Clare Valley has extremely diverse soils, as could be expected when considering the varied topography of the region. There is the classic terra rossa topsoil, similar to that of the Barossa Valley. Limestone hides under the topsoil in Watervale while there’s broken slate in the Polish Hill River district. The deep alluvial soils in the north end of the valley mean little to no irrigation for those vineyards. Vineyards in the Skillogalee Valley to the west are planted in sandy loam with pockets of degraded quartz.
Varieties
Though Clare Valley Riesling elevated the region to the global stage, today wine lovers can expect more diversity while out wine tasting. Surprisingly, just under 30% of total wine production is allocated to white wines. Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, and Shiraz are the 3 most planted varieties. The region’s Cabs tend towards rich dark fruits and plush tannins. They are often blended with Shiraz and occasionally Malbec. Riesling, the region’s flagship variety, can be bursting with notes of lime, citrus and minerals when young and can be cellared for 5-7 years. During this time, the wine can develop that elusive oily, petrol quality so many Riesling fans (including me) love. The region’s Shiraz generally retain lovely acidity and vibrant fruit notes because of that diurnal swing with notes of spice and ripe blackberries.
Clare Valley winemakers have always enjoyed experimenting with new wines and winemaking methods. Other varieties of the region include Mataro, Malbec, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Traminer, Verdelho, and more!
Pikes Wines – The Best of Clare Valley
Why Visit Pikes Wines?
You’re looking to taste premium cool climate wines in Clare Valley
You want to experience the epitome of Clare Valley Riesling and some other fun whites like Savignan and Fiano
You’ve been working up an appetite while wine tasting in Clare Valley or after biking the Riesling trail
You’d love to taste wine amongst some of the most gorgeous scenery Clare Valley has to offer
The Story of Pikes
Pikes Wines is a charming family winery founded on the concept of making exceptional Clare Valley Riesling. Brothers Neil and Andrew Pike released their first vintage in 1985 following the purchase of what is now known as Pikes Polish Hill River Estate in 1984, a premium site for Riesling. Their father, Edgar Pike, had vineyards of his own in Langhorne Creek and Padthaway, so both were introduced to wine and destined for the wine industry at a young age.
Neil decided to study wine production and marketing at Roseworthy College after completing a vintage at Wynns Coonawarra in 1978. He went on to work at several wineries throughout Clare Valley before starting Pikes with his brother in 1984. Andrew also attended Roseworthy College, graduating two years prior to his brother with a degree in Agriculture.
Andrew began his career with four years at Wynns Coonawarra before joining Penfolds wines in 1979. While with Penfolds, Andrew established a vineyard project in Clare Valley and recognized the potential of the region early on. Andrew then became General Manager of Vineyard Operations for the Southcorp Wine Group. He was responsible for 6,000ha of corporate vineyards and all global grape supply for the company. Andrew helped his brother establish the flagship Polish Hill River Estate vineyards and Pikes Wines while still with Southcorp. He later left his corporate gig in 1998 to help his brother run the Pikes family business.
Who knows if any of this would have been possible if the patriarch of the family, Henry Pike, hadn’t emigrated to South Australia from Dorset, England in 1878. Thankfully for us Pikes lovers, he did! Henry even established his own brewery in 1885 called Pikes Dorset Brewery. The brewery was later renamed H. Pike & Son when his son Walter Henry became involved in the business. Later in the 1940s, H. Pike & Son also began producing soft drinks, cordials, and tonic water. So it seems beverage production, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic, has always run in the family!
Tastings & Experiences
Wine tasting at Pikes is definitely a treat. First, the estate is absolutely gorgeous. The cellar door and restaurant are encompassed by Pikes’ beautiful vineyards. Today, the estate comprises almost 100 hectares of vineyards and is home to 20 different grape varieties. We were visiting just after harvest in early autumn, so the vineyard canopies were completely breathtaking with all the changing colors of fall. Slate Restaurant is attached to the cellar door and offers a dining experience with the most spectacular view of the vineyards. Beer drinkers are also welcome as there is a brewery on site just outside of the cellar door.
In addition to an incredible estate, be prepared to be impressed by the quality and sheer variety of Pikes Wines. The tasting list is expansive and you are invited to taste as many wines as you like in Pikes sleek yet cozy cellar door. No tasting fee makes the experience that much sweeter. You’re bound to find a wine you love with 9 whites and 8 reds to choose from. I enjoyed all of the wines, but my favorites included:
2018 ‘Traditionale’ Riesling – Clean and crisp with notes of lemon, lime, and green apple. Some minerality from the limestone based soils. Clare Valley’s trademark bright acidity.
2018 ‘Valleys End’ Sauvignon Blanc Semillon – Exploding with tropical fruits and citrus. A touch of minerality. Would be perfect with Thai green curry!
2018 ‘Luccio’ Fiano – Floral and delicate with notes of honeysuckle, peach, and tropical fruit.
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