The 2021 vintage release of Pewsey Vale Vineyard Riesling has been formally recognised for its sustainable winegrowing credentials, being among the first wine labels in Australia to display the Sustainable Winegrowing Australia trust mark.
Launched in 2020, the Sustainable Winegrowing Australia (SWA) program provides the opportunity for winemakers to benchmark their performance and communicate their social, environmental and economic credentials with consumers, who are driving the increase in demand for more sustainable wines.
In order to display the trust mark on wine labels and other marketing and packaging materials, winemakers are required to undergo thorough auditing to certify the vineyards and the winery.
Vineyard manager Brooke Howell, who has tended the vines at Pewsey Vale since 2010, says, “Sustainable winemaking has always been part of our DNA, and to be recognised for the efforts that have gone into making this wine is a great step forward.”
Brooke upholds the 174-year-old family-owned wine brand’s ethos of sustainable viticulture practices and minimal intervention winemaking, applying various organic and biodynamic principles in the vineyard.
Pewsey Vale winemaker Louisa Rose takes an holistic approach to sustainability.
“We believe that our sustainable practices, and active encouragement of biodiversity and natural balance, result in wines that are more consistent and better reflect the terroir of Pewsey Vale,” she says.
“The vineyard microbiology flourishes and wines can be made using only the yeast that come in on the grapes from the vineyard.
“This vineyard existed before us and will continue long after us, but at this moment, it’s our job to look after it, ensuring that we pass it on to those that follow.”
Pewsey Vale Vineyard Riesling is the number one Eden Valley Riesling sold in Australia.
Louisa says the 2021 Riesling is a classic example of dry Eden Valley Riesling, showing the distinctive, generous flavours consistently delivered from the single site vineyard.
The Pewsey Vale Vineyard was established at Eden Valley in 1847 and produces some of Australia’s first cool climate wines. Riesling is the single focus.