2022 S.C. Pannell Old McDonald Grenache, McLaren Vale

Energised and complex - so typical of McLaren Vale Grenache in a cooler year. The primary aromas are amped and loaded with tension: chorizo and sweet paprika followed by blood orange, pomegranate and Turkish delight. A year for darker flavours: blackberry and dark cherry compote served in a rose garden.

Steve’s interest in Grenache stretches back to the mid 90’s upon first arriving in McLaren Vale. A preference for making medium bodied wines lead him to Grenache and the love affair began.

Given the warm, Mediterranean climate, Grenache grows as well in ‘the Vale’ as any of the more revered Grenache regions including France’s Rhone Valley, Priorat in Spain and Italy’s Sardinia. It’s medium bodied nature also makes it ideal for our food, life style and climate.

It is unusual and rare to find 100% Grenache wines, as most of the time it is blended. Steve has been making a varietal Grenache from McLaren Vale for the past 20 years and can now provocatively state that he thinks it ages more gracefully than McLaren Vale Shiraz.