Pikes
Brand Description
The Pikes estate is situated in the picturesque Polish Hill sub region of South Australia’s beautiful Clare Valley. Brothers Andrew and Neil Pike established Pikes Wines in 1984 and continue to manage every aspect of the business today. They take great pride in producing quality handcrafted wines that reflect vintage, variety and region. Pikes flagship wine is Riesling Traditionale which has gained an international cult like following as Australia’s best dry Riesling. The Pikes story in South Australia is one rich in history dating back to 1878 when Englishman Henry Pike, Andrew and Neil’s great-great grandfather, immigrated to South Australia and established the family brewing business called H. Pike & Co. The company used the English Pike fish on the label, which remains to this day a symbol of Pike’s long heritage, now spanning three centuries.
Location of Vineyard
Pikes is situated in the North West section of the Clare Valley, in a sub-region known as Polish Hill River. The vines enjoy east to southeast exposure and for the most part are ungrafted, with just a small percentage planted on rootstock. The soils are red brown earth over clay, with slate and broken bluestone subsoil. The property is 240 acres (97 hectares), of which 200 are under vine. The region of Polish Hill is renowned for its black slate, which runs underneath the Pikes vineyards.
Winemaking and Viticulture Philosophy
Pikes aims to produce wines that reflect their varietal, regional, and vintage conditions. They are quite happy to watch over the wines during their formative stage and intervene only when necessary.
Pikes Wines Vintage from Nadinne Wilkinson on Vimeo.
Winery Profile
Winemaker: Neil Pike
Total acreage under vine: 200
Founded: 1984
Production: 660000
Acclaim
