# Ministry of Clouds Clare Valley Riesling (2025)

- **Producer:** Ministry of Clouds
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Riesling
- **Region:** South Australia, Australia
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 11.5%
- **Average price:** €20
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** lemon, lime, grapefruit, blossom

## About this wine

Founded in 2012 by Bernice Ong and Julian Forwood, Ministry of Clouds was established after the founders left corporate wine roles to pursue focused, expressive winemaking. Their Clare Valley Riesling is one of the winery's flagship white releases, sourced entirely from two historic sites in Watervale with vines planted during the 1960s and 1970s. The 2025 growing season delivered early ripening conditions, resulting in the earliest harvest date in the winery's history.

## Interesting facts

- The founders left corporate wine jobs ('the ministry') to launch their independent estate ('the clouds').
- Harvested in January 2025, marking the earliest harvest in Ministry of Clouds' history.
- Fruit comes from old Watervale vineyards planted in the 1960s and 1970s on terra rossa soil over limestone.

## Food pairing

High acidity and intense citrus freshness match naturally with briny seafood, light Asian dim sum, and tangy fresh goat cheese. The crisp profile cuts through delicate oils while harmonious citrus notes accentuate herb-forward dishes.

## Wine making process

Hand-picked in January 2025, the Riesling fruit was pressed and free-run juice was naturally settled before temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks to highlight varietal purity. The wine was subsequently matured on fine lees for four to five months to foster mid-palate complexity without barrel influence, prior to being sealed with a screwcap.