Jim Barry Wines Clare Valley Assyrtiko 2021

The Assyrtiko vines are from clones that Peter originally imported from Gaia's vineyard, Santorini. They were first planted in 2012 in the Lodge Hill vineyard, on the eastern ranges of Clare where the soils are brown loam overlaying a layer of clay and slate bedrock. Subsequently, blocks have been planted at the Florita vineyard in Watervale in the western ranges of the Clare Valley on terra rossa soils. The Lodge Hill block produces wines which are tight and have excellent persistence of flavour, while the vines planted on terra rossa soils are more generous and fuller flavoured. All the vines in the Assyrtiko blocks are planted in shallow soils over the bedrock which makes them struggle just a little, producing intensely flavoured wines. The vines are single cordon trained to promote even canopy growth and provide optimal shade.