S.C. Pannell Basso

Steve Pannell's idea for a low sulphur, unfiltered, unfined grenache had been in the works for a few years until access to the right fruit from an old dry grown vineyard in 2017 sparked the Basso project. Basso, from the Latin Bassus, means low, in reference to the minimalist approach to this pure wine. From Blewitt Spring's Little Branch vineyard, this was crushed with a small amount of whole bunches left in the bottom of the tank and fermented over 2 weeks before pressing off into large old French vats for MLF and aging. Dusky perfumed plum, black raspberry, and crushed violets teem through this fuller, muscular wine, the juicy palate clad in chewy tannins, and trailing with spice box and more crushed florals. There's a well placed easy freshness to counter any weight here, making this an ideal partner to sauced ribs / lamb kabobs. Fantastic value.

Basso deftly demonstrates Winemaker Steve Pannell's red wine prowess. Medium weight with quiet power and elegance, it's a heady mix of plump brambly berries, woodsy spice, violets and stony minerals. The purity of fruit, fresh acidity and chiseled tannins make for hearty yet refreshing drinking.