Tempranillo hails from Spain and Touriga, Portugal. Touriga has long been a mainstay in the great fortified wines of the world, but here it’s blended with the lighter Tempranillo. This has become Steve’s signature wine and this vintage he believes to be his most serious release to date.

S.C Pannell, Tempranillo, Touriga, McLaren Vale, 2016

Dark purple heart with bright crimson edges. Initial aromas of yeasty beer, Christmas pudding spice/Easter panneforte,  baked pasty goods, spiced plums and cherries. A serious, rich palate: full of cherries, dark plums, baking spices, dried flowers and food friendly tannins. A wonderful match for tapas, such as grilled meats or fungi. I’ve a feeling, this will be looked back upon as a benchmark match for Australian food matching wine

RRP: $30
Alc: 14%
Rating: 19/20

Wine sample courtesy of S.C. Pannell