Jim Barry, Assyrtiko

Alcohol percentage: 12%

Area:
Clare Valley is a relatively cool region within the generally very warm state of South Australia. It’s the home of the country’s finest, dry, crisp Rieslings.
The Assyrtiko vines (imported direct from Gaia winery in Santorini) were first planted at Lodge Hill vineyard, in the east, and are now also in the renowned Florita vineyard in Watervale in the west.

Grape variety:
100% Assyrtiko, fermented cool, predominantly in steel but a small proportion in oak.

Producer:
Hallgarten Wines, UK agent:
“Jim was the first qualified winemaker in the Clare Valley, graduating with a degree in oenology from the prestigious Roseworthy Agricultural College in 1947. Founded in 1959, Jim Barry Wines is still family owned, with three generations of Roseworthy graduates. Jim’s son Peter became managing director in 1985 and today Peter’s children Tom, Sam and Olivia are the winemaker, commercial manager and brand ambassador respectively.”

The Bottle Shop rating:
Salty-dry, savoury, very classic example of the great Greek grape variety.