Wine Article
2020 Elderton Riesling Eden Valley
Last edited on 6/2/2020 by LindsayM
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2020 Eden Valley Riesling History
The Ashmead family of Elderton Wines is extremely passionate about producing exemplary Riesling from Eden Valley. Our commitment to making dry Riesling has now lasted over 25 years and we believe it is the standout white grape from our appellation. In our opinion, the 2020 harvest has all the hallmarks to be a classic.
Whilst Elderton has typically been recognised for our robust red varietals such as Shiraz and Cabernet, this Eden Valley Riesling has, in itself, built an enviable pedigree. The 2007 vintage won the trophy for the ‘Best Current Vintage Riesling’ at the 2007 International Riesling Challenge, with the 2008 vintage following up with a gold medal and trophy for ‘Best Dry White Varietal’ at the 2008 Perth Royal Wine Show. The 2010 vintage was named in the top 5 in the 2010 Winestate Wine of the Year and the 2012 vintage won a gold medal at the 2012 International Riesling Challenge. The 2019 vintage was awarded a gold medal at the 2019 Barossa Wine Show.
Vineyard Information
The Eden Valley sub-appellation of the Barossa varies tremendously in climatic conditions and soils from that of the Barossa Valley floor. The climate is cooler and wetter and the soils tend to be skeletal and minerally, which is a major determinant in growing some of Australia’s, and indeed the world’s, best Riesling.
Winemaker’s Comments
The winter and spring months leading into the 2020 vintage typified much of the previous growing season, which again necessitated the use of supplementary irrigation to ensure healthy canopy growth. Apart from a few heat spikes in January, unseasonal cooler temperatures during February allowed for perfect ripening conditions and for harvesting to occur at the optimal flavour ripeness. Lower night time temperatures resulted in the retention of amazing natural acidity and preservation of the delicate white floral characteristics this vineyard is known for.
Despite the cooler conditions, this Riesling was picked around 10 days earlier than the previous season. The fruit was hand-picked and delivered immediately to the winery where it was whole bunch pressed. The juice was then cool fermented with a neutral wine yeast, to allow the characteristics of the vineyard to shine through. The combination of these processes were critical in preserving the delicate aromatics, whilst minimising phenolic extraction. Our 2020 Riesling is a very pure expression of Eden Valley and exemplifies what this region is famous for.
- Brock Harrison
Style
Dry, delicate and zesty
Colour Vibrant pale green
Aroma. Attractive white florals and lemon zest
Palate. Delicate white florals, green apple and fresh lemon, supported by a zesty acid backbone, leading to a bright chalky finish
The Ashmead family of Elderton Wines is extremely passionate about producing exemplary Riesling from Eden Valley. Our commitment to making dry Riesling has now lasted over 25 years and we believe it is the standout white grape from our appellation. In our opinion, the 2020 harvest has all the hallmarks to be a classic.
Whilst Elderton has typically been recognised for our robust red varietals such as Shiraz and Cabernet, this Eden Valley Riesling has, in itself, built an enviable pedigree. The 2007 vintage won the trophy for the ‘Best Current Vintage Riesling’ at the 2007 International Riesling Challenge, with the 2008 vintage following up with a gold medal and trophy for ‘Best Dry White Varietal’ at the 2008 Perth Royal Wine Show. The 2010 vintage was named in the top 5 in the 2010 Winestate Wine of the Year and the 2012 vintage won a gold medal at the 2012 International Riesling Challenge. The 2019 vintage was awarded a gold medal at the 2019 Barossa Wine Show.
Vineyard Information
The Eden Valley sub-appellation of the Barossa varies tremendously in climatic conditions and soils from that of the Barossa Valley floor. The climate is cooler and wetter and the soils tend to be skeletal and minerally, which is a major determinant in growing some of Australia’s, and indeed the world’s, best Riesling.
Winemaker’s Comments
The winter and spring months leading into the 2020 vintage typified much of the previous growing season, which again necessitated the use of supplementary irrigation to ensure healthy canopy growth. Apart from a few heat spikes in January, unseasonal cooler temperatures during February allowed for perfect ripening conditions and for harvesting to occur at the optimal flavour ripeness. Lower night time temperatures resulted in the retention of amazing natural acidity and preservation of the delicate white floral characteristics this vineyard is known for.
Despite the cooler conditions, this Riesling was picked around 10 days earlier than the previous season. The fruit was hand-picked and delivered immediately to the winery where it was whole bunch pressed. The juice was then cool fermented with a neutral wine yeast, to allow the characteristics of the vineyard to shine through. The combination of these processes were critical in preserving the delicate aromatics, whilst minimising phenolic extraction. Our 2020 Riesling is a very pure expression of Eden Valley and exemplifies what this region is famous for.
- Brock Harrison
Style
Dry, delicate and zesty
Colour Vibrant pale green
Aroma. Attractive white florals and lemon zest
Palate. Delicate white florals, green apple and fresh lemon, supported by a zesty acid backbone, leading to a bright chalky finish