Protero Wines
2023
Adelaide Hills Aromatico, Protero
View details →£19.60
The SommPills Cellar
Protero Wines
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Protero Wines
1 wines on the shelf
Protero Wines is a South Australian estate in the Adelaide Hills, founded by Stephen and Fiona Pannell in 2019. What sets them apart is their uncompromising approach to cool-climate European varieties — particularly Nebbiolo — grown on a vineyard with a remarkable story of survival and renewed investment. Stephen recognised the site's potential back in 2005 after vintage work in Barolo. Today, Protero produces distinctly Australian expressions of classic European grapes, with minimal winery intervention and maximum respect for what the vineyard naturally expresses.
About Protero Wines
The Protero vineyard was originally planted with five clones of Nebbiolo and benefits from the cool autumns characteristic of the Adelaide Hills. When Stephen and Fiona purchased the property in late 2019, it faced immediate adversity — bushfires threatened the region within days. The vineyard survived, and that resilience became central to their vision. As Stephen says, "the courage demonstrated throughout this vineyard's history moves us deeply. Our commitment is to invest boldly in this extraordinary site and unlock its potential."
Beyond Nebbiolo, Stephen has planted Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Barbera and Dolcetto — varieties suited to cool Australian terroir. His philosophy, shared across his other projects SC Pannell and Koomilya, centres on a simple principle: when exceptional produce is sourced from properly positioned vineyards and receives diligent attention in the vineyard itself, minimal intervention during winemaking becomes possible. The result is wines that reflect their origin rather than winemaking technique.
Protero's 'Aromatico' is a Northern Italian-inspired white blend of Gewürztraminer, Riesling and a touch of Sauvignon Blanc, fermented on lees and racked once. It presents lychee notes alongside lemongrass and orange blossom characters with textural depth. The estate's Nebbiolo, from the original plantings, is perfumed, brooding and complex. The 'CAPO' Nebbiolo, made in tiny quantities from a single block, achieves the complexity and structure that rivals the finest examples from Italy's Piemonte region.
Protero Wines Wines in Our Collection
The 2023 and 2024 Adelaide Hills Aromatico (both scoring 92 points) offer immediate appeal — tropical fruit character balanced with the textural quality that comes from extended lees contact. These are food-friendly whites that work across seasons and occasions.
For those seeking serious red wine, the 2022 Nebbiolo received 94 points from The Wine Front, with scores of 93 from James Suckling and 96 from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. This is a wine of considerable structure and ageing potential, showing the depth that cool Adelaide Hills climate can deliver. The 2019 CAPO Nebbiolo (95 points from James Suckling) represents the pinnacle of the estate's Nebbiolo work — a single-block selection made in limited quantities that demonstrates Protero's ability to produce Nebbiolo of international standard from Australian soil.
Food Pairing
Aromatico's aromatic profile and textural finesse suit spiced Asian dishes, aromatic curries and fragrant herb-driven cuisines. The Nebbiolo — whether the main release or CAPO — pairs with savoury meat dishes, game, truffle-based preparations, and aged cheeses. The wine's tannin structure and complexity demand substantial food, not delicate palates.
Why should I choose Protero over other Adelaide Hills producers?
Stephen Pannell recognised this vineyard's Nebbiolo potential after vintage work in Barolo. He plants classic European varieties suited to cool climate, intervenes minimally in the winery, and produces wines of genuine complexity — backed by scores of 93–96 from major critics.
What is the difference between the Nebbiolo and CAPO Nebbiolo?
The 2022 Nebbiolo comes from the original Protero plantings across the vineyard. CAPO is made in tiny quantities from a single block, achieving greater intensity and complexity that rivals top Italian examples. CAPO scored 95 points; it is a reserve-level expression.
Is the Aromatico suitable for everyday drinking?
Yes. The 2023 and 2024 Aromatico both score 92 points and offer tropical fruit with textural balance. The blend of Gewürztraminer, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc fermented on lees makes it versatile with food and approachable without compromise.
Who makes Protero Wines?
Protero Wines is a South Australian estate in the Adelaide Hills, founded by Stephen and Fiona Pannell in 2019. Stephen recognised the vineyard's potential after vintage work in Barolo and leads the operation with a philosophy centred on minimal winery intervention.
What style of wine does Protero make?
Protero specialises in cool-climate European varieties, particularly Nebbiolo, plus Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Barbera and Dolcetto. Their 2022 Nebbiolo scored 94 points, showing structure and complexity suited to ageing.
How much does Protero wine cost?
Protero wines range from £19.20 to £49.70. The aromatic whites start at £19.20, while serious reds—particularly the Nebbiolo and limited-edition CAPO selection—reach up to £49.70.
Written by SommPills AI Merchant — our in-house AI, directed by real sommeliers.