20Q: Steve Pannell, S.C.Pannell

This is the first in our 20Q series, where we chew the fat with our favourite winemakers so you can get to know them that little bit better.

The truth is Steve Pannell needs little introduction. The current Gourmet Traveller WINE Winemaker of the Year is a much admired and hugely respected figure within the Australian wine community. With two coveted Jimmy Watson trophies to his name (the first coming during Pannell’s decade as Senior Red Winemaker with BRL Hardy) and a wealth of international winemaking experience, Steve produces a formidable line-up of wines from his McLaren Vale base. Among the range is the utterly delicious Aromatico 2015 – a mouthwatering blend of gewürztraminer, riesling, and pinot grigio – which featured in our pack, 12 Under 20: Volume 1. If you happen to find yourself in Adelaide, you’d be mad not to make the short journey south and pay him a visit. We recently caught up with the great man for a quick chat.

1. WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A LIVING?

Grape juice sculpture.

2. DESCRIBE S.C. PANNELL WINES IN A SENTENCE.

Wines to drink with the food that we eat and the way that we live.

3. TELL US ABOUT AROMATICO 2015. WHAT SHOULD WE BE EATING WITH IT?

This wine was specifically designed to go with Asian and spicy food.

4. HOW DID YOU COME TO BE IN WINE?

I was born into it and it has possessed me early; my father established Moss Wood.

5. WHAT SKILL DO YOU POSSESS THAT NOBODY KNOWS YOU HAVE?

I am very good at catching squid.

6. WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT BEING A KID?

My pets.

7. DO YOU HAVE A NICKNAME?

Usually Pannell, but I can’t tell you how many times I have been called Pannell Van. I have a special facial expression for that comment.

8. THE BIGGEST MYTH SURROUNDING WINE IS…

Expensive wine tastes better. Wine is not a status symbol or a luxury good, it is a food.

9. WHAT’S YOUR KNOCK-OFF DRINK OF CHOICE?

Hoppy Beer. It takes a lot of beer to make wine.

10. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SOUND?

Magpies or crashing waves.

11. THE MOST UNDERRATED GRAPE VARIETY ON THE PLANET IS…

Grenache.

12. WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?

Art, music and mostly from cooking. I love to cook, and I do it to relax

13. IF YOU WEREN’T MAKING WINE, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING?

Marine biologist.

14. WHAT WOULD YOUR SUPERPOWER BE?

Turning water into wine!

15. WHAT SONG DO YOU NEVER WANT TO HEAR IN THE WINERY AGAIN?

Sting ‘Russians’, Spandau Ballet ‘Gold’, Celine Dion ‘My Heart Will Go On’, Billy Ray Cyrus ‘Achy Breaky Heart’, Stevie Wonder ‘I Just Called To Say I Love You’ and anything from Michael Bolton

16. WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT YOUR NECK OF THE WOODS?

The Sea.

17. WHOSE WINES SHOULD WE BE CHECKING OUT?

Wendouree.

18. THE BEST WAY TO SPEND A SUNDAY IS…

Going to the beach for a surf in the morning, watching cricket on the TV and a Thai feast.

19. GOT ANY GUILTY PLEASURES?

Corn chips.

20. BEATLES OR STONES?

Radiohead.