S.C. Pannell Garnacha Basso McLaren Vale 2022 750ml

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. DATA 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. Tealike tannins. Beautiful. PRESS James Suckling | 93