I’ve previously blogged about S.C Pannell’s Jimmy Watson winning Syrah, which we tried when the cellar door was temporarily set up in the function space.
New also is the foodie offering.
External window to the tapas restaurant. Photo: Willunga Wino
Tapas is served on the deck every day from 12-3pm.
In the summer this is supplemented with the cheekily named “WTF” – no not what you are thinking, this is wine & tucker Friday evenings!
During vintage, (March), there are also Thursday night meals with a glass of wine for $20.
Of course for research purposes, we had to test both day & night.
Several times. Each.
That may give a hint at how special the experience is.
On a warm summer day we settle out on the deck and drink in the view, across beautifully landscaped gardens, vines and The Vale, along with a glass of the cracking S.C Pannell Arido Nebbiolo Rose 2013 (now sadly sold out cellar door!).
The Rose won a special place in my heart, with its’ beautiful salmon hue, and complex, savoury flavour profile.
The 2013 Tempranillo Touriga, which scooped the pool at the Alternative Varietals Wine show, is another cracker. It’s very food friendly with it’s blend of boldness from the Touriga and bright blue fruit from the Temp.
It is fair to say the the tapas are presented in a stunning & original way.
Every detail is carefully taken care of.
Dipping sauces are arranged in tiny ramekins, or on baby vine leaves.
Two different kinds are presented, one cows milk, and one sheeps milk. They each have different flavour (the sheep has more tang) and texture (the sheep is squeakier!).
One of my favourites is the simple classic of caprese salad ($8).
This one has two twists – first it is presented as a stack, pierced with a skewer.
Second, it uses buffalo mozzarella. It’s super creamy with just a little tang. I can’t get enough!
We return on a Friday night to try out even more of the tapas – plus to revisit some favourites.
This time, we also bring reinforcements to share the love.
Pulled pork sliders come in a serving of two for $15, and are juicy, smoky little bliss bombs, with sweetness and crunch from the apple slaw. As a plus, they are a bit bigger than some other sliders out there.
What else to pair with tapas, than with the 2014 Jimmy Watson winner?
The Jimmy Watson is a trophy awarded to the best young red wine each year as part of the Melbourne International Wine Show.
In 2014, the Jimmy Watson was given to the S.C Pannell Syrah 2013.
Spiced almonds, marinated olives, and labne ($8) is a generous serve, with grissini and pita for dipping.
Almonds grow beautifully in the region and have outstanding flavour.
Likewise, olives.
And like all the other dishes, this is great for sharing.
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What do you like the look of at S.C Pannell? Comment below!
60 Olivers Road
McLaren Vale, SA 5171
What do you like the look of at S.C Pannell? Comment below!
Pinnable Image:
Wow that all looks amazing! I’m a sucker for a pork slider… and two types of halumi! Yum!
Oh gosh. This all looks absolutely amazing! I have not tried any of the S C Pannell stuff but I am so keen to. I was hearing amazing things even before they won the trophy.
The tears on that Temp/Touriga!
I really must make a trip to South Australia soon.
Those tapas look amazing! Some many of my favorites here including pork sliders and patatas bravas, YUM!
Thanks Pearl! I need to do a new post of the new Autumn tapas menu, even more goodies to discover 🙂
I am so hungry now! Fab post Louise x
Thanks Casey, next time you are in the Vale, I’ll take you there for lunch on the deck!
This sounds like my kind of place – great wine AND great food, not to mention those gorgeous views. I want to go now!
Cheers for dropping by Kelly! It sure is a magical spot, you can feel it, and all the staff must feel it too because they are fabulous.