2022 S.C. Pannell Basso Garnacha, McLaren Vale

A low-sulphur offering of buoyant fragrance, with squishy red and black berries, black cherry, licorice pastille, violet and ground, dried orange peel. For all its foot-in-the-door approachability, Steve Pannell never has food far from his mind, and this is structured with both ample tannin and acid with the intent of being splashed at table and across a range of dishes – grilled eggplant and peppers, lamb skewers and charred octopus come to mind.

92 points Marcus Ellis winecompanion.com.au

The S.C. Pannell Basso Garnacha from McLaren Vale is a bright, juicy expression of Grenache that’s all about drinkability and energy. Stephen Pannell has long been one of the country’s champions of this Mediterranean variety, and in the Basso range, he strips things back to focus on purity, vibrancy and minimal intervention. Basso means “low” in Italian, low sulphur, low oak influence, low interference, but there’s nothing low-impact about the flavour.

Sourced from old bush vines across McLaren Vale, the wine bursts from the glass with aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry compote, rose petals and a whisper of spice. The palate is supple and light on its feet, with fine tannins and just enough structure to keep things focused. It’s a wine made for drinking rather than cellaring, though it will hold its shape over a few years. If you're after a plush, high-octane red, look elsewhere. This is nimble, savoury and full of charm.

Pair it with charcuterie, grilled lamb chops, or a mushroom and lentil ragù. Serve it slightly chilled to really let that freshness shine.