Wines Clare Valley Vickery - Watervale Reserve - 2021

Vickery’s Cuvée Watervale Reserve 2021 is a white wine hailing from the picturesque Clare Valley in South Australia, an area celebrated for its expressive, pure white wines. While the user indicates a Riesling varietal, it’s prudent to focus more on the region’s long-standing reputation for producing some of Australia’s finest, dry and aromatic whites. Clare Valley’s cool nights and warm days, combined with its elevated vineyards and mineral-laden soils, give rise to wines of remarkable freshness, vivacity, and delicacy. The 2021 vintage experienced favourable ripening conditions, often resulting in wines with striking clarity, zesty acidity, and vivid citrus and floral notes.

The Clare Valley itself is nestled north of Adelaide and is steeped in viticultural history dating back to the mid-19th century. Its undulating terrain, interwoven with pockets of red-brown earth over limestone and slate, is especially propitious for white varieties. The mild diurnal variation allows fruit to retain piercing natural acidity and aromatic purity, laying the foundation for structured white wines renowned for their finesse and ageing capacity.

A wine from this terroir—especially a likely dry Riesling—would be a perfect companion to delicate and freshly prepared dishes. Consider pairing it with oysters, prawns, or white fish dressed simply with lemon and herbs to accentuate the wine’s lively acidity and mineral backbone. Regional South Australian seafood, such as Coffin Bay scallops, or Asian-influenced cuisine featuring ginger and lemongrass, would also shine alongside its subtle complexity. For something more traditional, a goats’ cheese tart or a seasonal asparagus salad would make an excellent match.

For best enjoyment, serve this wine nicely chilled, ideally between 6 and 8°C. A moderately narrow white wine glass will help concentrate the aromatic profile and enhance your tasting experience. This wine can be enjoyed young for its bright vitality, or, if cellared carefully, may reward a few years’ patience with additional texture and nuance.