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Home » Wine » Regions » Eden Valley, SA

Eden Valley, SA

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The high country of Eden Valley has a long history of viticulture, equalling that of the neighbouring Barossa Valley with the first planting at Pewsey Vale vineyard in 1842 by Joseph Gilbert. Eden Valley covers an area as large as that of the Barossa Valley proper, but is less intensely developed. Water availability is a limiting factor in the expansion of vineyards here. One has only to note the exposed rocky outcrops that sit atop the hills and ridges to appreciate the massive mineral content of the terrain - no wonder the wines express so much minerality.

The Eden Valley’s growing season temperatures are lower than those of the Barossa, with the final stages of ripening and harvesting take place in much cooler conditions. Harvest occurs from mid March to early May - typically three to five weeks later than the Barossa.

Altitude is all-important in determining mesoclimate, although aspect and slope are also important in this hilly terrain. Thus, at an altitude of around 530 metres (1730 feet) the Pewsey Vale, Heggies and High Eden vineyards at the southern end of the Eden Valley are appreciably cooler than the more northerly vineyards at an elevation of 380 to 400 metres (1247 to 1312 feet) around Keyneton, (where the Henschke winery is located). One of the defining consistencies of Eden Valley’s elevation is the cool nights which are instrumental in retaining aromatics and acidity. Wind is a major factor, too, in restricting both growth and yield on the typically exposed hillsides.

It hardly needs be said that the topography is varied. Rolling, exposed hills with moderately steep gradients are commonplace. As one might expect, given the varied terrain, there are a number of soil types. The most common range from grey to brown in colour and from loamy sand to clay loams, with subsoils deriving from weathered rock. Ironstone gravels, quartz gravels and rock fragments are present in the surface and subsurface. These are well suited to dry land viticulture but there are also patches of weaker sandy soils on the slopes, underlain by weathered mica-schists, which have reduced water-holding capacity.

Riesling is the most important white grape in the region and one of the most versatile. Initially developing fragrant yet strong lime juice aromas with great intensity of flavour on the palate, as the wines age, marmalade and toasty nuances appear. Young or mature, Eden Valley Rieslings are a classic expression of variety and region.

-    By Andrew Holt, Poonawatta Estate owner and winemaker

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Wines from Eden Valley, SA