Jim Barry Wines Watervale Clare Valley Riesling 2023

The Watervale Riesling grapes come from a special part of the famed Florita vineyard in Watervale, in the Clare Valley. The Mediterranean climate has a high diurnal temperature difference; the cool nights lead to the preservation of crisp natural acidity and delicate flavours. The vines are planted on the south or east-facing slopes, best suited to Riesling as they are shielded from the hot northerly summer winds. Instead, they receive the cooler morning sun. The vines are trained on a single cordon with two bud spurs to promote even canopy growth, encourage shade and avoid fruit crowding to reduce disease risk. The foliage is managed with a partial VSP to maximise shade on the northern and western sides of the rows and allow air and dappled sunlight in on the south and eastern sides. Irrigation encourages even ripening, and under-vine mulching inhibits weed competition and preserves soil moisture.