Pepperjack Wine

PEPPERJACK WINE

A very big thank you to my pals at Pepperjack for supporting this piece. Born in 1996 - a serendipitous vintage which also happens to be my year of birth (this is the Universe telling us we are the perfect pairing), the brand has been fuelling many a gathering with bottles designed for easy enjoyment and good company, without breaking the bank.

The most recent excuse to gather was a delivery from Pepperjack - a few bottles to share with my friends, so naturally I hosted a ‘Pepperjack Tasting Party’ at home. The evening opened with thick cut sourdough and herby butter, which we paired with the Pepperjack Chardonnay Pinot Noir - a soft, light bodied sparkling white that is perfect for a celebratory sip. It disappeared quickly and reappeared often - a clear crowd favourite.

Next up: Ottolenghi’s hot charred cherry tomatoes with cold yoghurt, matched with Pepperjack Rosé. Aromas of fresh strawberries and hints ofjuicy red cherries lifted the dish’s smoky sweetness, bringing a clean, summery balance to the Mediterranean-style flavours.

The main course took a more eclectic turn: pan-roasted sesame-crusted salmon, hand-cut skin-on potato chips, and a generously sized soba salad (recipe courtesy of my friend Steph). Pepperjack Shiraz anchored the table - with bold flavours, it’s popular for a reason. Its depth and warmth paired beautifully with the richness of the salmon and the savoury crunch of the chips. A few loyalists stayed devoted to the Chardonnay Pinot Noir, proving its versatility across courses.

Dessert nearly made an appearance: Bear’s homemade choccie brownies - a pairing that famously works a treat with Pepperjack Shiraz for those who pace themselves better than this table did.

Dining out will always have its place, but hosting at home is an exceptional way to flirt with different wine varieties, without having to commit to the restaurant markup.

Feed your friends. Do it with Pepperjack.

Stray beautiful,

BEAR.