Pewsey Vale : 1961 Block Riesling 2024

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Pewsey Vale 1961 Block Riesling 2024

Tasting

Appearance
The appearance displays a luminous pale yellow hue with green highlights.

Nose
The bouquet unveils aromas of Australian citrus, tea tree flowers and lemon myrtle. Notes of finger limes are accompanied by a minerality evoking crushed quartz, a signature of the Eden Valley terroir.

Palate
On the palate, the wine stands out for its purity and intensity. The structure is taut and perfectly balanced, with a fluid and harmonious texture. Crystalline minerality combines with preserved natural acidity, offering a persistent and elegant finish. This Riesling presents a character that is both immediate in its expression and conducive to aging.

Food and wine pairings

This 1961 Block Riesling 2024 pairs ideally with kingfish sashimi seasoned with a lime and chili vinaigrette. It also goes wonderfully with vegetarian spring rolls with fresh Vietnamese herbs.

Service and cellaring

The 1961 Block Riesling 2024 can be appreciated immediately but also possesses excellent aging potential.

A pure and mineral Eden Valley Riesling

The estate

Established in 1847 by Joseph Gilbert, Pewsey Vale represents the very first vineyard planted in the Eden Valley region of South Australia. Acquired by S. Smith and Son in 1970 and placed under the care of the Hill-Smith family, the estate is today managed by the talented winemaker Louisa Rose. Perched between 480 and 500 meters above sea level, Pewsey Vale cultivates exclusively Riesling on a single plot evoking the famous Burgundian Clos Vougeot. A pioneer in the adoption of Stelvin screw caps as early as 1977, the estate embodies the excellence of Australian Riesling.

The vineyard

The 1961 Block Riesling 2024 comes from the historic block of Pewsey Vale Vineyard, which houses the estate's oldest vines, planted 63 years ago. Located in the Eden Valley region, this vineyard benefits from a north-facing amphitheater. The shallow, sandy soils with quartz and schist gravel give the wine its characteristic minerality.

The vintage

The 2024 vintage began with a dry period favoring rapid and early vine growth. Welcome rains in late spring and early autumn brought the necessary balance. The dry and mild summer, punctuated by cool nights, allowed for the preservation of the grapes' aromas and natural acidity. The rapid ripening of the berries resulted in optimal balance and the classic flavors characteristic of Eden Valley Rieslings.

Winemaking and aging

Harvesting was carried out manually on February 29 and March 1, 2024. The winemaking of the 1961 Block Riesling 2024 favors a minimalist approach respectful of the vineyard. The grapes are vinified via spontaneous fermentation thanks to indigenous yeasts naturally present in the vineyard, without oenological intervention. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. This South Australian wine is then aged for a few months on fine lees before bottling and release, allowing texture and complexity to develop while preserving the purity of the fruit.

Grape variety

This Australian white wine is 100% Riesling.