A deep dive into wine from South Australia: Eden Valley
The Eden Valley wine region has been synonymous with piercingly aromatic Riesling for over a century. In the 1800s, German-speaking immigrants from Silesia (now Poland) arrived in South Australia seeking a better life. These pioneers imported their fondness for the Riesling grape, planting great swathes in the lush Eden Valley.
Yet, while South Australian Riesling is undoubtedly a regional flagship, Shiraz, in fact, is the most-planted grape in the Eden Valley. If your preconceptions about both varieties include overripe, sweet and concentrated flavours, prepare to be surprised. Eden Valley Shiraz is refined and elegant, while this Australian Riesling is bone dry and aromatic, with lime and floral aromas. Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay have also found their homes in the valley’s superior soils and relatively cool climate.
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Climate, geography, history and terroir
Historically, viticulture in the Eden Valley was regarded as a continuation of Barossa Valley rather than a separate region in its own right. From a legal standpoint, this is the case; wines labelled as “Barossa” may contain grapes sourced from both areas. Nevertheless, there are significant variances in terroir and mesoclimate that divide these two contiguous vineyards.
Driving into the Eden valley from Barossa Valley, you cannot fail to appreciate the change in landscape – the Eden Valley is higher and more verdant than its immediate neighbour. The vineyards are situated in the southeastern half of the Barossa range, about 45 miles from Adelaide. Vines are cultivated on the valley floor and the rocky hills of Eden Valley, sharing the rich land with other crops, eucalyptus trees and woodland. For this reason, Eden Valley is poetically known as the ‘garden of grapes and gums’.
Captain Joseph Gilbert was the first visitor to recognise the valley’s potential, founding Pewsey Vale vineyard in 1847. Others soon followed: European migrants planted some of the region’s oldest vines in the valley’s eastern hills, taking advantage of the microclimate. Similarly to many of Australia’s leading regions, altitude plays a vital part in the quality equation in the Eden Valley wine region. Southeast-facing slopes are among the most favoured sites, while vineyard elevation can rise to 500 metres in certain places. The cooler vine canopy encourages a slower rate of ripening, so sugar accumulation is not achieved at the expense of acidity. Soils are predominantly metamorphic gravel over clay, an advantageous mix of free-draining and porous terroir. The soils in Eden Valley yield a style of Australian Riesling which is incredibly aromatic and intense. The Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon wines are no less profound.
Key grape varieties
- Cabernet Sauvignon – Eden Valley’s version of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is also world-class. Cooler sites yield medium-bodied and elegant reds, defined by their finely structured tannins, precision and attractive bouquet of cassis and blueberry.
- Chardonnay – some fine wine from Chardonnay is made in the Eden Valley: fragrant, structured and perfectly balanced. Typical flavours include peach and citrus, supported by a natural freshness.
- Riesling – Eden Valley Riesling is renowned for its floral bouquet and mineral core: a harmonious marriage between citrus fruit and razor-sharp acidity. After several years in bottle, tertiary aromas of buttered toast and kerosene will emerge.
- Shiraz – old vine Shiraz reaches its peak in the idyllic landscape of the Eden Valley. Local interpretations tend to emphasise finesse over power, albeit there is plenty of upfront fruit flavours to enjoy, including blackcurrant, raspberry and plum.
Key wine labels and designations
Although smaller South Australian wine regions lack much terroir classification, an Australian Geographical Indication (GIs) is used to certify wines made in a specific territory. The Eden Valley was awarded GI status in 1997; its vineyards were further demarcated in 2001, with the creation of a distinct GI for the subregion High Eden. Some fine wine is made in this zone, situated in a southwestern corner of the valley. However, with Eden Valley wine, producer names and labels count for much more.
So, who are the names behind Eden Valley’s diverse portfolio of fine wines? Penfold’s Grange is legendary in these parts. It offers a complex bouquet of black and blue fruit, floral and exotic spice qualities, along with vanilla, espresso, licorice and tobacco, with silky tannins and a touch of smokiness. The owners of Pewsey Vale vineyard market a range of excellent white and red wine, including a very elegant Chardonnay and silky Viognier.
When it comes to Riesling, some critics would say that Colin Gramp’s Steingarten is the greatest South Australian Riesling vineyard. However, there is stiff competition from Henschke and Pewsey Vale Riesling. Having the luxury to choose between these top Eden Valley wine producers doesn’t make it any less challenging.
What does Eden Valley have to offer?
Hand-made and single-site South Australian wine is the Eden Valley way. An emerging generation of winemakers – Torzi Matthews, Tin Shed and Ben Radford – have electrified consumers with their single-vineyard expressions of Shiraz and Riesling. A wide variety of cuisines and dishes can find a wine companion in these complex and yet fruit-driven wines; Riesling cuts through the oil of Sichuan cooking and copes well with heat. On the other hand, South Australia’s Eden Valley Shiraz is sublime paired alongside ox cheek, roast beef or hard, salty cheeses. In the restaurants of Adelaide, Eden Valley Chardonnay is considered top class with freshly-caught Turbot.
And there’s more good news: Eden Valley’s price-to-quality ratio is extremely attractive. With the exception of icon wines such as Hill of Grace. Dry Riesling from the valley offers superb value. Go off-piste, and South Australian wine may amaze you.
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Related pages
A deep dive into South Australia: Barossa Valley wine