Wines Clare Valley Leasingham - Classic Clare Riesling - 2017

Leasingham’s Cuvée Classic Clare Riesling 2017 is a fine illustration of the Clare Valley’s celebrated style. This dry white wine, most likely crafted entirely from Riesling grapes, is marked by its vibrant freshness and purity. The 2017 vintage in South Australia enjoyed a relatively cool growing season, which has helped to preserve the razor-sharp acidity and aromatic intensity often associated with Clare Valley Rieslings. Expect a wine that boasts clear citrus notes—lime, lemon zest—layered with hints of green apple and a subtle mineral edge. The winemaking typically focusses on gentle handling and cool fermentation in stainless steel to preserve fruit expression and encourage a clean, precise palate. Its youthful vigour can evolve with age, developing honeyed and toasty notes while retaining a core of lively acidity.

Clare Valley itself, nestled in South Australia’s heartland, is considered one of the country’s preeminent Riesling regions. Its elevated position, ranging roughly between 400 and 500 metres, means cooler nights that help grapes maintain delicacy and freshness. The soils vary from fertile alluvial valley floors to stonier hill slopes, contributing to the region’s broad stylistic range, though Rieslings are prized here for their clarity, vibrancy, and hallmark citrus-driven profile. The Clare Valley’s history is rich with European influences and its reputation for top-quality white wines extends over a century.

This dry Riesling’s pure, mouth-watering acidity makes it a classic partner for fresh seafood; think natural oysters, grilled king prawns or ceviche. The wine’s citrus focus also pairs delightfully with Asian-inspired dishes—try salt and pepper squid, Thai green curry, or simple sashimi. Locally, it works beautifully with South Australian King George whiting or regional goat’s cheese.

For best enjoyment, serve chilled at 6-8°C. Young Clare Riesling rewards a brief decant to open up aromatics, but can equally well be enjoyed directly from the bottle, especially in its first 5-8 years after harvest.