Pepperjack is adding three new varietals to its portfolio – a Malbec, Sangiovese and Chardonnay.
The team sourced grapes internationally for the Pepperjack Malbec, with winemaker Richard Mattner travelling to Mendoza, Argentina.
“Argentinian Malbec is different to Australian Malbec in that it has a depth of rich dark fruit, but still displays fresh aromatics of spice and violets and a bold tannin profile,” he said.
“The Pepperjack philosophy is to create wines that are synonymous with the regions that they are from. Therefore as we expand beyond Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, there was a need to expand our sourcing from beyond the Barossa.”
Following in the ‘emerging varietal’ footsteps of the Malbec is the Sangiovese.
Quite fruit driven in style, it has the rustic notes you would expect from a Sangiovese but with a soft round tannin profile, which remains true to the Pepperjack style – modern and approachable.
With thanks to Adelaide Hills’ dry crispness and Padthaway’s full roundness and flavour, the Chardonnay is fresh, vibrant and fruit-driven.
“With Chardonnay seeing a real revival recently, we felt it was a good time to once again try our hand at making some white wines, beginning with a Chardonnay,” Mattner said.
“This is a really exciting time for Pepperjack as we evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of consumers and occasions – especially the demand for lighter-bodied, more refreshing varietals as we head into the warmer months.”
Mattner has confirmed there is a desire to expand the white wine portfolio, so watch this space.
Alongside the recently launched Pepperjack Grenache, all three wines will be available nationally across leading retailers from June onwards.
