Who makes it?

Jim Barry Assyrtiko is a unique white wine from the Clare Valley in South Australia. The Barry family have been producing benchmark Rieslings for decades. Jim bought the first vineyards in 1959 which was the first parcel for the family. He didn’t stop there though and over time, more vineyards joined the first.

Now Peter Barry and his children are carrying on Jim’s work while forging their own legacies. One of those legacies is Peter Barry’s development of Assyrtiko in the Clare Valley. In the 2000s, Peter started to taste Greek Assyrtiko. Being a fine Riesling producer, the grape is a natural extension when you think about it. By 2012, Assyrtiko was planted in the family’s vineyards.  The first vintage was produced in 2014 but was not one of their commercial releases. They released their 2015 vintage as their first vintage for general sale. 

To read more about Assyrtiko, please read ‘Why you should be drinking Assyrtiko’. 

How do they make it?

The vines for this Assyrtiko are from the 2012 plantings. A small portion ferments and spends time in seasoned French oak to add some roundness.  This portion, just 10%, has time maturing on lees. 

What does it taste like?

This is a wine to track each vintage. It is always an enjoyable voyage into an unusual find from the Clare. Tasting this wine is a great reminder of why the Jim Barry team are benchmark Clare Valley Riesling producers. Fresh citrus lime and apple aromas dip into the realms of ripe stonefruit. There are hints of flowers, herbs and a solid base of stony minerality.

It is always fresh with that typical high acid that tends to leanness. It is elegant with a medium body and the finish is lingering. That select portion that spends time in French oak adds some smoothness and softness to that acid. It has concentrated fruit on the palate but that acid keeps it crisp and long.  

What to drink it with?

Assyrtiko is a fine match for seafood as per tradition. However, you can spice it up with some light spices such as salt and pepper squid. Also quiche with smoked bacon, or a chicken salad.

Cheese

Fresh cheeses such as feta and chevre, and white bloomy cheese are an excellent match here. Also a herb or garlic cream cheese. 

Quickie review « Fresh, textural and that sublime balance of savoury and fruity has been struck. »

Country of Origin:  Clare Valley, Australia
Tasting Date: January 2025
Price:  UK £25 | AU$40 | US$40 ++
Drink: now – 5+ years 
Needs food: no
Source: tasting

If you like Assyrtiko wines, why not check out:
Gaia Wild Ferment Assyrtiko
Zacharias Assyrtiko

To read more about Assyrtiko, please read ‘Why you should be drinking Assyrtiko’. 
To read more about Greek wine grapes, please read Knowing your Moschofilero and Malagousia from your Mavrodaphne.

Visit jimbarry for more.