Edward Burton Gleeson left his native Clare and, after a brief stopover in India, arrived in South Australia in 1838. He settled 120km north of Adelaide in a place which eventually became known as Clare. Clare Valley native and winemaker, Tim Adams, was in the country last week to tell the story of the Clare Valley, the people and its wines. Most of the wineries are small family owned opera­tions and overall production accounts for a mere 2% of Australian production. Riesling accounts for most of the white wine while Shiraz and Cabernet account for the reds.

Tim Adams Pinot Gris 2009
Expect to pay €12

Tim Adams served his apprenticeship with Mick Knappstein, one of the greats of Australian winemaking. I've featured this here before, but it's worth another mention. Rich pears and peaches, granny smith crunch, full bodied with a refreshing zestiness and a slight pink hue (not to be confused with a rosé). In my book, one of the best whites in Tesco's range.

With food? Aromatic Asian or spicey food.

Available from: Tesco nationwide.

Mount Horrocks Watevale Riesling 2009
Expect to pay €23

The grapes for this Riesling come from a single dry-farmed (no irrigation) vineyard plot. Gorgeous lemon sherbet is softened out with a chalky minerality and a lovely floral character. With various oyster festivals happening in Ireland around now, this could be the perfect match.

With food? Oysters or other shellfish.

Available from: 64 Wine, Glasthule, Cellar Master, Sandyford, Fallon & Byrne, Dublin and other leading off-licences.

Tim Adams Shiraz 2007
Expect to pay around €14

Another thoroughbred from the Tim Adams stable and this makes a nice contrast to the bigger styles from the Barossa, about 80km south. Quite a feminine, restrained style with a soft silky texture. This is worth trading up from the well-known brands to show you just what Australian Shiraz is capable of. Proof, if any were needed, of the regional diversity in Australia's wines.

With food? steak, lamb, spaghetti bolognese

Available from: Tesco nationwide.

Jim Barry Lodge Hill Shiraz 2006
Expect to pay €18

With a name like Jim Barry you can be sure of another Irish connection within the Clare Valley. Like Edward Burton Gleeson, the Barrys arrived in the area around 1840. A different style to the Tim Adams, but perhaps more masculine. Rich bramble fruits, a hint of eucalyptus, chocolate, black pepper and a sensual silky texture.

With food? Forget it, open beside a warm fire with a few good friends.

Available from: On the Grapevine, Dalkey, Mitchell's, Dublin and leading wine shops and off-licences.