Harvest 2022: Australia
Compared to recent years, Australia saw a wetter and cooler growing season in most regions, leading to an extended growing season. As a result, grapes developed full flavour ripeness while retaining punchy vibrancy.
Rieslingfreak
A truly exceptional vintage for Rieslingfreak.
After four years of drought, it was with relief that the Rieslingfreak team welcomed La Niña and the return of generous winter rains, at both the Barossa and Clare Valleys. The wettest winter on record, 2021 replenished soil water and filled dams and aquifers to levels not seen since 2017, setting up perfect conditions for spring growth and keeping the vines fresh and promoting ripening during summer.
“A freak hailstorm hit Eden Valley in October, causing localised damage to some vineyards, impacting the fruitfulness of the vines and reducing the potential crops for this vintage.” said Belinda Hughes, winemaker at Rieslingfreak. “Thankfully this event occurred before flowering and fruit set, so the undamaged canes and unscathed vineyards still yielded good amounts of high-quality fruit across the region. Clare was unaffected by the storm and the perfect growing season ensured excellent potential crop loads across both our White Hutt and Polish Hill River vineyards.” During the ripening season, temperatures were cooler than average which combined with a plentiful water, ensured a long, slow ripening season with remarkable acid retention in the grapes.
There is every indication that 2022 will be an exceptional year for Riesling. Crop levels from Clare and Polish Hill River are the highest seen since 2017, and the quality of the wines from all three regions are looking truly exceptional. Expect delicate aromas, opulent flavours and exceptional natural acidity from Rieslingfreak’s 2022 Vintage.
Joana Albogas
Joana’s first memory with wine was at a very young age, when she first tasted the sweetness of Madeira during a family trip to the Portuguese archipelago. After graduating with a degree in Economics in Lisbon, and a stint in the Fashion industry in Amsterdam, Joana delved into the world of Wine, a passion that had never left her. She has a particular interest in low-intervention, artisanal wines.