Wine Region Profile: Barossa Valley, South Australia

This history of the Barossa Valley, began in 1840 when European settlers from Germany planted the first vines. They found the fertile land and Mediterranean climate a perfect canvas for viticulture. that would one day produce Australia’s premium wines.

The Barossa Valley by the late 1800s was a thriving wine region and excelled in making fortified wine. Exports to the British market grew particularly popular during this time. However, as the wine industry evolved the Barossa Valley diversified its offerings and became known for their red wine, particularly their Shiraz.

Over the 20^th century, the Barossa Valley cemented its reputation as one of Australia’s top wine regions, even during the challenges of two World Wars and a phylloxera epidemic that ravaged vineyards worldwide, but the Barossa remained preserved and thriving.

Famous Varieties of the Barossa Valley

Shiraz is the Barossa Valley’s claim to fame, and the variety has practically become the region’s signature varietal. Barossa Shiraz is big and full-bodied with dark fruit, chocolate and spice flavours often with a velvety texture and long complex finish from grapes grown in the valley’s varied soils from deep red clays to sandy loams. The intensity and concentration of these wines are complemented by the old vines, the oldest over 100 years old.

Besides Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvèdre, also known as Mataro, are two red varieties typical for the Barossa Valley, and often all three are blended to create the classic GSM mix. Recently, Grenache has won the hearts of many winemakers, as it is a versatile grape that can be made from light, fresh, and fruity wines to rich, bold, and rustic ones.

Barossa Valley also excels in white wine, and in the cooler and higher elevated part of the Barossa zone, Eden Valley, Riesling is dominant. Eden Valley’s Riesling is at its best when it’s racy, lemony and limey with some lovely florals and great ageing potential. It is also bone dry, unlike its usual Old World German counterparts.

Famous Wineries and Their Wine from the Barossa Valley

The Barossa Valley is a region filled with many great wineries. Torbreck Vintners produces some of the Barossa’s biggest and most beautiful wines from old vines. The traditional winemaking approach of Torbreck Vintners has earned world-best ratings.

Torbreck Woodcutters Shiraz Torbreck: Is amongst their best wines. It is a big Barossa Shiraz with rich black fruits and hints of spice that show the depth and incredible complexity of the Shiraz region. This wine can be bought online through Bottle Barn if you are based in the USA.

Elderton Wines: Is also an iconic winery in the Barossa Valley. It is a family-owned and operated winery originating from 1894 and famous for its Barossa Shiraz. One of their wines, the Elderton Barossa Shiraz, is a full-bodied wine with intense flavor and showcases Barossa terroir, with its dark berries, chocolate, and spice flavors. You can try this wine by ordering online via Bottle Barn.

Pewsey Vale Vineyard: If you love Riesling and are a white wine fan, Pewsey Vale Vineyard is another great winery of the Barossa Valley located in the subregion of Eden Valley. Established in 1847, it is primarily a Riesling-only winery. Their Eden Valley Riesling holds vibrant acidity and flavours of citrus, white flowers and minerality as a backbone. It also ages beautifully and gains complexity over time. This is a must-buy from Bottle Barn if you live in the USA, a fabulous wine to purchase online.

Ochota Barrels: Is another great winery known for its natural and alternative way of winemaking. Ochota Barrels’ The Green Room Grenache is fresh, and lively with bright red fruit flavours and a hint of earth. A lighter style of Grenache but still with depth and complexity showcasing the best of the Barossa Valley. You can purchase this too online from Bottle Barn.

These wines and many others are available to buy from the online store Bottle Barn, a leading online wine store in the USA. Whether you want to explore the Barossa Valley region or just try something new, Bottle Barn can ship straight to your door. If you love wine and want to try the best of Australia, then the Barossa Valley is the region to explore at its best. From its history to its wineries and famous wines, instead of traveling halfway around the world to explore these region drops. Buy wine online today from Bottle Barn and have the Barossa Valley delivered straight to your door in a bottle!