Montepulciano

S.C. Pannell Montepulciano is a blend of McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek Montepulciano. The variety comes from the warm, central winegrowing areas of Italy.

The McLaren Vale portion is crushed and cold soaked prior to open fermentation with daily pump overs. Once pressed, it is sent to a 9,000 litre oak fermenter for malolactic fermentation and a short maturation.

The Langhorne Creek portion is crushed and settled for several days prior to open fermentation. Once pressed, it undergoes malolactic fermentation and a short maturation in 500 litre French oak barrels (puncheons).

The two parcels are blended in the spring, then the blend undergoes extended maturation in French oak puncheons. After around one year, the wine is bottled.

Inky purple, S.C.Pannell Montepulciano is a medium bodied, fleshy and fruity wine with lively tannins and a spicy finish. Cellaring potential is five years.