Overview

The high country of Eden Valley has a long history of viticulture, equalling that of the neighbouring Barossa Valley. Joseph Gilbert planted the first vines at his Pewsey Vale vineyard in 1842.

The Big Picture

Eden Valley covers an area as large as that of the Barossa Valley proper, but is less intensely developed. It is justifiably famous for its Riesling, which vies for supremacy with that of the Clare Valley. This region is also home to such renowned Shiraz vineyards as Henschke's Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone and the Chardonnay vineyards of Mountadam.  High Eden is an officially registered subregion, located at the southern end of the Eden Valley.

Eden Valley Wine Region

Climate

Altitude is all-important in determining mesoclimate, although aspect and slope are also important in this hilly terrain. Thus, at an altitude of around 500 metres (1640 feet) the Pewsey Vale, Heggies and High Eden vineyards at the southern end of the Eden Valley are appreciably cooler than the more northerly Henschke vineyards at an elevation of 380 to 400 metres (1247 to 1312 feet) around Keyneton. Overall, of course, growing season temperatures are significantly lower than those of the Barossa Valley, and the final stages of ripening and harvesting take place in much cooler conditions. Wind is a major factor, too, in restricting both growth and yield on the typically exposed hillsides. Water availability is a limiting factor in the expansion of vineyards.

Soil

It hardly needs be said that the topography is varied. Rolling, exposed hills with moderately steep gradients are commonplace and the correct match of site and variety is critical. 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.

Wines

Chardonnay: Chardonnay is a relative newcomer, with the first commercial vineyards in South Australia being established at Mountadam in 1973. The variety has proved to be highly successful and rich complex wines are being produced; their flavours range through a classic array of melon, fig and cashew.

Riesling: In common with the Clare Valley, the Eden Valley also has its Riesling tradition. Riesling is the most important white grape (and wine) of the region, 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 on nose and palate. Good Eden Valley Riesling will take ten years or more to reach its peak.

Cabernet Sauvignon: Site climate is of key importance. The Cabernet Sauvignon produced from vineyards around the Eden Valley village is of the highest quality, with perfectly ripened cassis-accented fruit flavours. These contrast with wine from higher, cooler sites that have more elegant undertones of green leaf and dark berry characters.

Shiraz: Shiraz ranks as the most important red grape and often the most highly regarded wine of the region. Contrary to expectations, the wines rarely show the spicy and peppery characters of cool climate Shiraz from other parts of southern Australia, notably Victoria. Rather, they tend to more luscious plum and blackberry fruit characters, sometimes with touches of liquorice and more gamey, forest characters. Structurally, the wines are very smooth, with ripe tannins that are integrated and well balanced, guaranteeing a long life.

Vital Statistics

A Case in Point: Irvine Wines, Eden Valley, South Australia

"Eden Valley is situated just one and a half hours north-east of Adelaide, lies in a north-south direction in the hills above the Barossa Valley, and is the home of an iconic merlot. Eden Valley is an area as well as the name of the major township in the centre.

"As a district it is cooler (by 5 degrees C) and wetter (by 150mm) and has more ancient soils than the Barossa Valley. These ancient soils are relatively infertile, tending towards sandy loams interspersed with quartz and mica schist reefs. By nature the soil is acidic, and we believe that this is a highly important factor in giving the wines of the Eden Valley district the elegance of taste and length of palate.

"The grapes ripen about three weeks later than in the Barossa and are consequently ripening in a much cooler part of the year – late March through to early May.

"How then would these conditions suit the growing of Merlot for premium wine? This was unknown to us until 1983, when the first of our Merlot vines were planted in this area. The consequent success of Merlot in Eden Valley has come about mostly because of the climatic conditions that pervade in the area, together with careful winemaking.

"The discovery of this combination over the past 30 years fits into the history of Eden Valley, with its superb Rieslings, Shiraz and now the newer varieties Chardonnay, Viognier and Albarino.

"The overall character of the wines gives clear illustrations of the varieties involved, with long flavours, elegance and rich characters – wines that will age most gracefully.

"As such then it is a privilege for Irvine Wines to be part of the Eden Valley."

Summary

The Eden Valley is located alongside the Barossa Valley and both saw their first vines planted in 1842.  The Eden Valley's growing season temperatures are significantly lower than those of the Barossa, with the final stages of ripening and harvesting take place in much cooler conditions.  Water availability  is a limiting factor in the expansion of vineyards.  The main wine styles produced include Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.

Acknowledgements

SA Wine Industry Association Inc

Wineries, Cellar Doors & Vineyards

Craneford Wines, Eden Springs, Hartz Barn Wines, Heathvale, Henschke, Hutton Vale Vineyards, Irvine, Karra Yerta Wines, Karl Seppelt, Mountadam Vineyards, Poverty Hill Wines, Robert Johnson Vineyards, Taste Eden Valley Regional Wine Room and Yalumba. In addition, there are the Yalumba vineyards of Heggies, Hill-Smith Estate, Pewsey Vale, Poonawatta Estate, Sorby Adams Wines and Torzi Matthews Vitners.

If you would like to have your winery included in this list, please email awbc@awbc.com.au.