The S.C. Pannell Tempranillo Touriga is a medium-bodied, deeply aromatic, and savoury red blend from McLaren Vale, South Australia, crafted by Stephen Pannell to show off how beautifully these traditional Iberian varieties handle a warm, coastal climate.
- Aromas: The nose is highly fragrant and dark, offering upfront notes of black cherry, dark plum, and blackberry, layered with complex hints of leather, dark chocolate, dried herbs, and a pretty floral lift.
- Palate: The palate is fleshy and savoury, blending juicy dark forest fruits with complex textures of spice, black tea, and a subtle rusticity, all held together by a vibrant line of acidity and a distinctive gritty, dry finish.
- Style: This is a clever and contemporary blend where the structural, savoury crunch of Tempranillo is masterfully balanced by the highly perfumed, lush fruit qualities of Touriga Nacional.
- Winemaking: The fruit is sourced from select McLaren Vale vineyards, fermented with minimal intervention, and aged in large, seasoned French oak vats to ensure the wood never overpowers the pure fruit and spice characters.
- Cellaring: It offers incredible drinking pleasure right now for its unique texture and punchy fruit, but it has the structural integrity to cellar comfortably for 5 to 8 years.
- Food Pairing: An absolute superstar for food, matching perfectly with tapas, cured meats like jamón, slow-roasted pork belly, spicy chorizos, or a rich beef empanada.
This is a brilliant, food-friendly red that effortlessly swaps traditional sweetness for a deeply satisfying, savoury crunch. The balance here is completely spot on, offering a unique Iberian blend that is incredibly expressive without feeling heavy. It is the ultimate bottle to open for a tapas night or a relaxed dinner where you want a wine with a bit of personality.
SC Pannell
Born in 1969 and raised at the legendary Moss Wood in Margaret River, Stephen Pannell was destined for a life in wine. In 2004, he and his wife Fiona founded S.C. Pannell, driven by a passion for McLaren Vale and its ability to produce expressive, dry-grown Shiraz and Grenache with a strong sense of place. Widely regarded as one of Australia's most innovative winemakers, Steve's accolades include the Jimmy Watson Trophy, International Red Winemaker of the Year, and recognition by Decanter Magazine as one of the 50 Most Influential Contributors to the World of Wine.
At the heart of Steve's story is Koomilya Vineyard — an extraordinary vineyard in the centre of McLaren Vale that he pursued for more than 20 years before finally acquiring. Established in the early 1800s, this historic site now forms the foundation of his deeply personal Koomilya wines, capturing the character and heritage of one of Australia's great vineyard sites.
