About
'Be Brave
Wines produced from a place that has weathered the extremes of nature amongst the Adelaide Hills.
Home to a unique style of Nebbiolo, the Protero vineyard tells the story of survival with Stephen and Fiona purchasing the property in late December 2019, and within days, battling mother nature as the vineyard became surrounded by fire.
Ultimately surviving what was the second of two devastating bushfires the region had faced over 20 years, it was from this season of fury – and Stephen and Fiona’s admiration of those who defended it so bravely, that the vineyard was called Protero.
Having worked with the vineyard in 2005, then Rose and Frank Baldasso’s Gumeracha vineyard, it was the potential of the five clones of Nebbiolo planted in 1999 that excited Stephen and Fiona.
A variety they both love to drink, and one they believed would suit the region and site, Protero’s Nebbiolo represents Stephen’s understanding of tannin, a paradigm which drives all his red-winemaking decisions.
While Nebbiolo is at the heart of the vineyard, it is also home to varietals including Gewürztraminer; Pinot Gris, Riesling, Barbera and Dolcetto – all varieties well suited to the landscape, the region and in particular, this place, Protero.
“We are moved by the bravery behind the history of this vineyard. Our own small act of courage is to try and invest this special place with a new sense of potential. Ultimately, it will be ‛Protero’ that decides which varieties it most faithfully expresses.”'
- Stephen and Fiona Pannell
2023 Pinots
“I asked the question: can I make Pinot Grigio more interesting? I found the answer in blending three varieties from the same family each adding a layer of complexity that couldn’t be found individually. I liked the result and planted a vineyard to create a true field blend that speaks clearly of it’s home in our part of the Adelaide Hills. Deeply complex, concentrated Pinot Grigio.” SCP
78% Pinot Grigio, 17% Pinot Bianco, 5% Pinot Nero
Flavour
Steely | Precise | Zest. Feathery fennel fronds, citrus, Nashi pear, white strawberry and very faint jalapeno chilli. Grapefruit pith gives lift and precision, sherbet and musk add the charm.
Texture
Crunchy apple skin.
Cellaring
You could but perfect now.
2023 Aromatico
“A white blend inspired by the wines of Northern Italy but strangely suited to the spicy foods my household craves.” Stephen Pannell.
72% Gewurztraminer / 25% Riesling / 3% Sauvignon
Flavour
Ambrosia | Engaging | Uplifting. Cypriot delight, rose water and almond croissant, held together by a lime juice spine before a nervy finish that is grassy, long, and deeply refreshing.
Texture
Less Aphrodite, more Athena.
Cellaring
Too hard to wait; drink it all now.
2020 Barbera
The International flavours of Barbera make it an ideal accompaniment to the Australian way of life, be it the food we eat or our support for the underdog. It may come second to Nebbiolo in its native Piedmont but that doesn’t mean its short on authenticity or character and in many ways is my preferred variety for everyday drinking.
Flavour
Supple | Spherical | heady. Deliciously medium-bodied with a ball of dark fruit laced with olives. Bay leaf and subtle spice give rise to a peppery finish
Texture
The mouthfeel is driven by high tone with faint wisps of tannin on the fringes of the palate
Cellaring
It can and will cellar well for up to five years
2024 '111' Nebbiolo Rose
“I first made a Nebbiolo Rosé in the early 2000’s during my formative time in Piedmonte with G.D.Vajra. Nebbiolo’s aromatics and tone lend itself to Rosé and the flavours are unusually complex. We grafted an old Chardonnay vineyard on Protero to the rose clone (111) specifically for making rosé. The result is a wine we love to drink year-round from a single site and a clone of Nebbiolo ideally suited to rosé.” - SCP
Flavour
Cherry | Luxury | Consequential. Cherry pits, Luxardo liqueur, sweet prosciutto, pomegranate seeds, cranberry and lilly pilly. A serious lineup of flavours befitting a game-changing rosé!
Texture
A looping, languorous, soft embrace with a spinning disc of tension
Cellaring
Don’t wait
2021 Nebbiolo
“The greatest wines I have ever tried have been difficult to describe, it’s as though words aren’t enough” - SCP
Protero’s Nebbiolo represents Stephen’s understanding of tannin, a paradigm which drives all his red-winemaking decisions.
Flavour
Varietal | Energetic | Confident. Superbly medium-bodied. Fresh raspberry surrounded by plum conserve flowing to umami rich flavours like consume, kelp and miso, finishing with citrus and florals
Texture
Pulsating energy and waves of tannin that elongate the flavours on the mid palate enabling the wine to sustain a meal from entrée to main
Cellaring
Now, ten and beyond
2019 CAPO Nebbiolo
“The greatest wines I have ever tried have been difficult to describe, it’s as though words aren’t enough.” SCP
Protero’s Nebbiolo represents Stephen’s understanding of tannin, a paradigm which drives all his red-winemaking decisions.
Flavour
Continental | Wise | Composed. Cranberry, fennel, porchetta, black tea, Australian sandalwood, blood orange pith, red currant, vanilla spice, Cynar, Chinotto, strudel cherries and walnut. With a little air, fresh leather, praline and rosehip jelly. Tastes like the movement of time and place, a witness to history.
Texture
Layers of complexity and mouthfeel. The tannins come in gentle waves and the flavours bubble and unfurl with the texture. It’s difficult to determine where the fruit flavours end and the tannin flavours take over on the insanely long finish.
Cellaring
We think it has the potential to keep well for 15+ years in a cool, dark cellar.