2022, Jim Barry Wines ‚Assyrtiko‚ Clare Valley

Fresh, lively, and mineral-driven, this Clare Valley Assyrtiko delivers flavours of pear, grapefruit, and citrus blossom over a creamy texture with a steely, flinty finish.

About the Winery: Founded in 1959, Jim Barry Wines is one of Australiaof most historic family-owned producers and a benchmark name in the Clare Valley. Jim Barry was the first qualified winemaker in the region, graduating from Roseworthy Agricultural College in 1947, and his pioneering vision helped define Clare as one of Australiaof top-quality wine regions. Today, the estate is managed by the third generation of the Barry family ‚¬” Tom, Sam, and Olivia ‚¬” who continue the legacy with sustainable practices and a focus on purity and site expression. The winery was voted *‚¬œ2020 Winery of the Year‚¬* by the Halliday Wine Companion Awards.

Grape Variety: 100% Assyrtiko ‚ the vines were propagated from clones imported from Gaiaof vineyard in Santorini by Peter Barry. Planted in 2012 at the Lodge Hill vineyard on the eastern ranges of Clare, the soils are brown loam over clay and slate bedrock, while additional blocks in Watervaleof Florita vineyard grow on red terra rossa. These contrasting soils provide both tension and generosity, producing Assyrtiko of remarkable flavour concentration and minerality. The vines are single cordon-trained and hand-tended to promote even canopy growth and optimal shading.

Appearance: Pale straw with silver-green highlights, showing clarity and vibrancy.

Aroma: Lifted citrus blossom and lemon, with accents of honeydew melon, pear, and gentle spice.

Palate: Vibrant and textural, combining grapefruit, pear, and mineral flint notes over a creamy mid-palate. Grapes were hand-harvested and chilled to 6°C before destemming and pressing. After cold settling, the juice was racked with some light lees retained for added texture. Fermentation occurred at 14‚16°C in stainless steel, with a small portion undergoing cool fermentation in aged French oak to enhance roundness and balance.

Body: Medium-bodied with creamy texture and minerally drive.

Acidity: Crisp and vibrant, accentuating purity and length.

Cellaring Potential: Enjoy now for freshness or cellar for up to 6 years to reveal textural depth and savoury mineral notes.

Perfect Pairing: Excellent with grilled prawns, lemon-herb chicken, or Greek salad with feta and olives.

Serving Temperature: Serve chilled at 10‚12°C to highlight minerality and freshness.

Contains sulphites. Information provided to the best of our knowledge at time of publication and subject to change by vintage.