Kerri
Thompson is the Manager and chief winemaker at Leasingham Wines. The Leasingham
estate has four vineyards where they grow Riesling, Cabernet and Shiraz. Some
of the vines are over forty years old.
The soil in the Clare Valley is very similar to the Limestone Coast. The main
difference in styles is attributed to the difference in climate and in particular
altitude. The higher altitude allows for significant cooling of the grapes at
night.
With a focus on producing premium wines, Leasingham reds are typically kept
in oak barrels for up to twenty months. The wines are batched, meaning the separate
parcels of fruit are kept in separate barrels and not mixed until the wines are
blended for final release.
This has many advantages. The wine quality can be traced directly to a specific
part of the vineyard, and the winemaker is presented with greater range of options
for blending.
The barrels are racked, meaning that they are emptied and refilled three to
four times a year. This enables close monitoring of the wine's progress to maximize
the final outcome.
Leasingham Wines was originally a jam factory, but fortunately after a short
period they realized that wine making was a lot more fun. Their first vintage
was released in 1895. Parts of the original winery still exist.
For more information visit: www.leasingham-wines.com.au