The origins of Yalumba go back to 1849. British winemaker Samuel Smith left the country in search of a new adventure in Australia, where he purchased thirty hectares and planted his first grapes. He subsequently named the land Yalumba. Yalumba wines each have their own distinct style. South Australia has eighteen recognized grape-growing regions. These regions are geographically designated by specific regional boundaries. Yalumba operates in ten of these regions: Adelaide Hills, Adelaide Plains, Coonawarra, Barossa, Langhorne Creek, McLaren Vale, Murray Darling, Riverland, and Wrattonbully.
Each region has distinct soil types and local geographical influences, such as altitude and cooling sea breezes. This allows Yalumba to produce a wide variety of wines. The Riesling grapes are grown in perhaps Australia's most famous wine region: the Barossa. The landscape is 200 million years old and incredibly diverse. This area is one of the few in the country that offers both warm and cool climates for grape cultivation.
Here, the grapes are harvested by hand in the cool of the night to preserve the wonderful aromas for which Riesling is so renowned. The grapes are then fermented on the skins for 45 minutes, making the juice even fuller and riper. The aroma is aromatic, with notes of delicate blossom, honey, ripe yellow apple, and fresh pineapple. The palate is juicy and full, with notes of apple and tropical fruit. The Yalumba has a lovely, fresh finish, typical of Riesling.
