Eden Valley Riesling – the unsung hero…
By Karli Currie
With October being the ‘Month of Celebrating Eden Valley Riesling’ in the Barossa we thought it only fair to share some love for the unsung hero that it is.
In 2017 the Eden Valley produced only about 1347 tonnes of Riesling fruit, so whilst not a huge production the wines are well worth keeping an eye out for!
The Eden Valley’s days are warm with cool nights which allow the fruit to ripen in delicate conditions. These conditions usually allow the Riesling to show real lime, lemon and grapefruit flavours with beautiful acid balance – controlled and bold. Ageing these wines is an easy way to help the characters evolve with buttery, honey flavours.
In a slightly warmer season a heavier style can be produced, you can see more pineapple and apricot (tropical) flavours.
This month (October) is all about the Eden Valley. All month participating restaurants around the Barossa are inviting people in to dine and enjoy a glass or two of Eden Valley Riesling.
Participating Venues: Vintners Bar and Grill, Fino, FermentAsian, The Greenock, Eden Valley Hotel, Harvest Kitchen, Vine Inn and Wanera.
Other events still to come include the following…
October 26th – 4-6pm – Henschke Eden Valley Riesling x The Local Wine Co.
Join sixth-generation Justine Henschke at The Local Wine Co., King William Road, Adelaide for a tasting ofthe newly released 2018 Henschke Rieslings in Magnums and the museum release of the magnum 2005 Julius.
All Month – Taste Eden Valley Regional Wine Room
Daily – Riesling Tastings
Saturday 11am & Sunday 1pm: Riesling Master Class Meet The Maker – $25 per person.
Classes: Maximum 20 guests
Celebrate everything Riesling with an array of single vineyard wines including Sparkling, new releases, museum and sweet wines. An opportunity to meet the maker in a private master class along with a selection of Barossa cheese in the cottage gardens at Taste Eden Valley Angaston.
As of 2024, Taste Eden Valley has closed.
Regardless, if you get to a specified ‘Eden Valley Riesling’ event this month or not it is for sure that you should start looking out for them in your local bottle shops and restaurant lists. Especially the Elderton Eden Valley Riesling, it is a classic example of everything great about the variety and region. Dry, crisp and racy the pale green wine shows citrus blossom, passion fruit and balanced minerality. YUM!
Cheers