S.C. Pannell Basso Garnacha Grenache 2023 is a low-sulphur, unfiltered Grenache from old dry-grown vines in McLaren Vale — a wine born from a simple idea that had been bubbling away for years before the right fruit from the right vineyard sparked the Basso project to life in 2017. From the Latin bassus, meaning low, Basso is low in additions and high in expression — a wine that speaks clearly of where it is grown and how it was made.
Medium-bodied, warm-climate Grenache from McLaren Vale has earned a well-deserved place on Australian tables. Welcoming, food-friendly, and proudly Australian in character — with a texture often described as European but unmistakably of this place. Gateway Grenache, ready for willing explorers.
Tasting Notes
Appearance
Bright, translucent ruby — the characteristic clarity of a low-sulphur, unfiltered Grenache from old dry-grown McLaren Vale vines.
Aroma
Pomegranate, boysenberry, raspberry, cherry, liquorice, musk lollies, and an exotic layer of fenugreek — an immediately inviting aromatic profile that is generous without being heavy. The nose is expressive and warm, reflecting both the McLaren Vale climate and the minimal-intervention winemaking approach.
Palate
Volume and richness that speaks of luxury, with an exotic layer of rose petal and pistachio lying in the tannins. The texture is supple, long, and unabashed without being drying. The finish has a persistent raspberry jelly-crystal and pomegranate Turkish-delight flavour that is genuinely appealing — exotic, medium-bodied, and happy. A wine that suits the food we make and the way we live.
Pairs With
Made for the table — try it with Middle Eastern barbecue, slow-roasted lamb, spiced meatballs, harissa chicken, or a mezze spread. As Stephen Pannell suggests, Joseph Abboud’s barbecue from Rumi – Food of Middle Eastern Appearance is the ideal companion. Equally at home with pizza, charcuterie, and casual weeknight dinners. Serve lightly chilled at 16–18°C.
Wine Sellers Direct Verdict
S.C. Pannell Basso Garnacha 2023 is a remarkable expression of McLaren Vale Grenache at this price point — a wine that delivers genuine complexity and character without demanding patience or ceremony. The low-sulphur, unfiltered approach allows the fruit from old dry-grown vines to speak directly and honestly, producing a Grenache of warmth, texture, and exotic personality that is immediately enjoyable but built with enough structure to reward short-term cellaring. Compared to Yangarra Old Vine Grenache 2024, Basso is more exotic and food-driven — Yangarra leans toward purity and restraint; Basso leans toward warmth and personality. Compared to d’Arenberg Custodian Grenache, Basso is lighter and more immediately approachable — the Custodian offers greater weight and structure for those who prefer a more traditional McLaren Vale style. This is the bottle we would recommend for anyone who wants to understand what makes McLaren Vale Grenache genuinely exciting — and for anyone who loves food, warmth, and wines that suit the way Australians actually eat and drink.
Who Should Drink This?
S.C. Pannell Basso Garnacha 2023 is for curious wine drinkers who want something genuinely different from the mainstream — a Grenache with personality, warmth, and a food-friendly character that rewards exploration rather than analysis. It is the natural choice for lovers of Mediterranean food and wine, for those who want a low-sulphur, minimal-intervention red without sacrificing flavour, and for anyone looking for a reliable, characterful bottle for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Drink now — it is delicious and ready.
Why Is S.C. Pannell Famous?
Stephen Pannell is one of Australia’s most celebrated winemakers — a figure who has simultaneously redefined McLaren Vale’s identity and expanded the conversation about what Australian wine can be. Shaped by tenures at leading family estates in Bordeaux, Burgundy, Barolo, and Priorat, and by years as Chief Red Winemaker at BRL Hardy, Stephen returned home with a conviction that McLaren Vale’s Mediterranean climate and ancient geology could support a much wider palate of varieties than the region had traditionally explored. The recognition that has followed speaks for itself: Producer of the Year 2025 at Different Drop, and a perfect 100 points from Robert Parker Wine Advocate — placing him among the most select group of winemakers in Australian history to receive that honour. “What makes Stephen so unique and special — you could simultaneously call him Australia’s best Shiraz producer, Australia’s best Nebbiolo producer, Australia’s best Grenache producer, Australia’s best alternative variety producer.” — Different Drop, Producer of the Year 2025.
Exploring the S.C. Pannell Range
Basso is the ideal entry point into the S.C. Pannell range — approachable, food-driven, and immediately expressive of the McLaren Vale character that defines the estate. For those wanting to explore the range further, S.C. Pannell Field Street Shiraz 2022 offers a more structured expression of McLaren Vale’s flagship variety. For older vintages of this wine, S.C. Pannell Basso Garnacha 2019 is available for those who want to see how Basso develops with bottle age.
What’s Similar?
For a comparable McLaren Vale Grenache with a more traditional profile, d’Arenberg Custodian Grenache 2021 offers greater weight and structure — choose this if you prefer a richer, more full-bodied style. Yangarra Old Vine Grenache 2024 is a more restrained, purity-driven expression from the same region. For a different variety from S.C. Pannell, S.C. Pannell Dead End Tempranillo 2021 offers another expression of Stephen’s Mediterranean variety philosophy.
