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S.C. Pannell

2022

‘Basso’

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

About

Basso is an early-release, low-sulfur, unfiltered Grenache that highlights Stephen Pannell’s experimental side. Named after the Latin Bassus (low), it reflects its origins in the sandy Little Branch Vineyard of Blewitt Springs. The second year of La Niña, 2022 brought a wild, wet start, a mild summer, and a slow, dry ripening period. Poor spring weather caused low yields, but the extended ripening delivered reds with depth and complex tannins.

This fruit was hand harvested and the grapes were inoculated with a wild yeast starter (pied de cuve) and fermented on the skins for 14 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 21 ppm hit of SO2. If the idea was a bright, crunchy and yet flavorsome red wine…mission accomplished.

Stats

  • Grapes: 100% Grenache
  • Vineyard: Little Branch Vineyard (Blewitt Springs)
  • Vine Age: 30-years-old
  • Soil Type: Maslin Beach Sands over red clay flecked with ironstone
  • Viticulture: Sustainable - practicing organic
  • Fermentation: Pied de cuve (inoculated with wild yeast starter) – stainless-steel (20% whole bunch)
  • Skin Contact: 14 days
  • Aging: 10 months in large French oak vats
  • Alcohol: 14.5%
  • pH: 3.4
  • Total Acidity: 6.1 g/L
  • Total SO2: 21 ppm
  • Total Production: 1,000 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

James Suckling

93

"A sassy garnacha with firm tannins, as is maker Stephen Pannell's style, given his adoration of structure. This is delicious and versatile, destined for the table. For those who appreciate multifaceted textural elements, there are plenty of forest accents and mountain berry notes. Chewy, with hints of iron and charcoal across the finish. Plenty of stuffing behind it, so not once do things feel out of place. Drink or hold. Screw cap."

- Ned Goodwin MW
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Producer


S.C. Pannell

Region


McLaren Vale

Country


Australia

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