Summertime in Florida. Hot. Sunny.

In many of our recent blogs here at Brew Hops & Wine Stops, we’ve been extolling the pleasures of white wines and lighter style reds. And yes, they are an absolute delight in this weather. But let’s face it – summertime also means grilling and to many of us grilling means steak and, even in face of oft-times sweltering heat, steak means big, bold, juicy red wine.

Enter Pepperjack Barossa Red 2012, now available at ABC.

Here is a wine that in the tradition of Barossa quality offers rich, structured, complex flavors that are decidedly big but not ridiculously over the top. Produced and bottled by Saltram Wine Estates, where I had the pleasure of attending a formal tasting of the 1800s Club last year, and which has a long history dating back to 1859, the wine is a blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Grenache, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc and Tempranillo.

This is how Barossa-born Winemaker Richard Mattner describes it: “This wine has lots of upfront fruit while having a soft, round structure and a slight hint of oak. The aromas and flavors show fresh berries, plums and vanilla. The palate is rich and plush with good structure. The soft velvety tannins provide balance and length. This wine can be enjoyed now, but will also improve with short term cellaring.”

For those who like to see wine in term of numbers, this one received the number 91 from Wine Spectator.

I don’t think much more needs to be said. So pour in the charcoal, spark up the grill, throw on a couple of steaks, and don’t forget a glass or two of Pepperjack Barossa Red.

Bill Stobbs, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits wine supervisor

Follow me on Twitter @abcwinebills