Watervale Riesling 2022

Located in the Clare Valley region, north of Adelaide in South Australia, the vineyard that produces this wine is specifically in Watervale, a terroir renowned as one of the finest for Australian Riesling. The Mount Horrocks vines benefit from moderate altitudes, well-drained limestone soils, and a cooler-than-average climate, promoting slow and complete ripening of the grapes. The influence of cool nights and sunny days helps preserve a beautiful natural acidity and precise aromatic expression.

The grapes for Mount Horrocks' 2022 Watervale Riesling are hand-harvested from the single vineyard at Watervale, then sorted and gently pressed. The must is then fermented at low temperatures in stainless steel tanks to preserve the aromatic purity and natural freshness of the varietal. Fermentation is carefully managed to maintain a dry and precise profile, followed by a short period of aging on fine lees in tanks, without oak, and then early bottling to capture the vibrant, citrusy, and mineral character of the Watervale terroir.

This wine reveals notes of ripe lemon , lime , and grapefruit , enhanced by delicate floral touches reminiscent of jasmine and orange blossom, as well as a mineral dimension evoking wet stone and chalk. Subtle nuances of fresh herbs and citrus zest add complexity. On the palate, the texture is precise and crystalline, supported by a lively yet balanced acidity, measured concentration, and a long, taut, and saline finish that underscores the purity of the Riesling.

Australia began producing wine more than two centuries ago. This has resulted in a country rich in old vines, multigenerational winemaking families, and a deep-rooted knowledge and respect for craftsmanship. Add to this a thirst for exploration and innovation, a fearless attitude, and a diverse portfolio of 65 wine regions across a wide range of climates, and you have the makings of an extraordinary wine nation. Australia burst onto the export scene in the 1980s and has since been offering the world vibrant, fruity, and exceptionally good-value wines. Until the late 1990s and early 2000s, the history of Australian wine was dominated by examples of Shiraz, Grenache, and overly concentrated red blends. Between these two extremes lies the diverse range of high-quality Australian wines and regional wines that has always existed. Australian viticulture is concentrated primarily along the southern coastline where conditions are cooler. There are four main wine regions, each centered around major cities: Western Australia around Perth, South Australia around Adelaide, Victoria around Melbourne, and New South Wales around Sydney. The country is one of the world's largest wine producers and was the fourth-largest exporter in 2011. This recent development has made Australia one of the most prominent countries for the quality of its wines. You can taste Australian wines throughout the country. Each Australian region has its own grape varieties. Australian wines are defined by their grape variety, unlike French wines, which are defined by their terroir.