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S.C. Pannell

2020

‘Basso’

Garnacha   |   McLaren Vale - Australia
Shelf Talker Spec Sheet Wine Label Bottle Image

About

Basso is an early-release, low-sulfur, unfiltered Grenache that showcases the more experimental side of Stephen Pannell’s winemaking. From the Latin Bassus, meaning low, Basso is low in additions and speaks clearly of the place from which it comes: the clay, sand, and gravel soils of the McMurtrie Rd. Vineyard in McLaren Vale. Simply stated, 2020 was a difficult year (read: pandemic, wildfires) but thankfully, the days got cooler sooner than anticipated allowing for long even ripening.

This fruit was hand harvested and the grapes were inoculated with a wild yeast starter (pied de cuve) and fermented on the skins for ten days. After being pressed to old French oak vats, the wine was aged quietly for ten months, undergoing malolactic fermentation. It was bottled without fining or filtration and a small 27 ppm hit of SO2. If the idea was a bright, crunchy and yet flavorsome red wine…mission accomplished.

Stats

  • Grapes: 100% Grenache
  • Vineyard: McMurtrie Rd (McLaren Vale)
  • Vine Age: 50-years-old
  • Soil Type: Clay - sand - gravel
  • Viticulture: Sustainable - practicing organic
  • Fermentation: Pied de cuve (inoculated with wild yeast starter) – stainless-steel
  • Skin Contact: 10 days
  • Aging: 10 months in large French oak vats
  • Alcohol: 14%
  • pH: 3.54
  • Total Acidity: 5 g/L
  • Total SO2: 27 ppm
  • Total Production: 2,000 cases
  • UPC: 9340076000346

Tasting Note

Raspberry liqueur, red apple skin, autumn, dark spice and cinnamon; a seductive perfume that is vibrant. The palate follows through with a very berry freshness from red to blue. The texture is youthful and magically medium bodied. Tea like tannins, that are super fine and linger, carry the red fruits. Beautiful.

Press & Reviews

The Wine Advocate

91

"Screw cap has allowed me to back right away from sulfur. We’ve halved what we’re doing in reds." explains Steve Pannell. The fruit for the 2020 Basso Grenache (pronounced like "bah-so" for those wondering) is from a 50-year-old vineyard with black soils. The wine is crunchy, bright and floral, with a mineral, saline undertow. No whole bunch here. Drink it young to capture all the energy and vitality."

- Erin Larkin

James Suckling

93

"This is from a 50-year-old parcel, made as a low-sulphur project and fermented in large vats. The nose has a rich blood-orange and dark-raspberry fruit core with a striking red-licorice edge and a soft, pillowy texture, full of raspberry and red-cherry fruit. Whole berries, no stalks. Fluid and so drinkable. Screw cap."

- James Suckling

Vinous

90

"The young and bold 2020 Garnacha Basso is a Joven early drinking style with attitude. It boasts generous layers of primary fruit, including black cherry and old leather with a dark earthy backbone. A great hit of flavor follows that is distinctly spicy. The finish is generous and open open-knit with a granitic minerality. It's a well-pitched food style designed for early consumption."

- Angus Hughson
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Producer


S.C. Pannell

Region


McLaren Vale

Country


Australia

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