2021 Protero Aromatico

Region: Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Australia

Grape: Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc

Culinary Suggestions: Vietnamese or Thai salad, salt and pepper calamari or rice paper rolls

(Vegan)

About

Back in 2004, Stephen Pannell's family returned from Piedmont to find Nebbiolo growing in the northern Adelaide Hills just outside Gumeracha, on a vineyard planted by Rose and Frank Baldasso in 1999. Steve started working with the fruit in 2005. The dynamics of tannin, first and foremost, drive all of Stephen’s red-winemaking decisions, and good Nebbiolo hinges on understanding tannin. In late December 2019 Fiona and Steve signed a contract for the Baldasso’s vineyard. It was planted to all the wrong varieties bar one: five clones of Nebbiolo. A week later, it was on fire, and only through the courage of others was Protero spared. Surrounded by brave people, the Pannells knew they too had to be courageous. To that end they removed Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Viognier and planted varieties they like drinking and believe in for the region: Barbera, Dolcetto, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris and Riesling. All well suited to the landscape, the region and in particular this place, Protero. - Distributor Note

Tasting Notes

The nose is exotic, complex and deeply aromatic, with notes of galangal, stem ginger, Turkish delight, beurre bosc pear and citrus blossom. In the mouth the wine is fresh, linear and compelling. A laser like entry of exotic flavour is backed up by a back palate alive with stone fruit and lingering Asian herbs like lemongrass and coriander root. - Stephen Pannell

Pannell shifted this across to Protero from the S.C. Pannell collection of wines. This is a blend of primarily Gewürztraminer with Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc from the Adelaide Hills. The aromatics are off the chart, with such intense florals and roses with lime, white-peach, pear and apple aromas and flavours. Succulent and refreshing. Drink now.

92 points – Nick Stock, jamessuckling.com November 2021