If you haven’t tried wines from South Africa, you’re in for a pleasant surprise with this tasty red blend that combines Syrah and Pinotage, the latter a cross of Cinsaut and Pinot Noir varieties. It offers rustic flavors of blackberries, cherries, earth, and game, making it suitable for flavorful meat like lamb, tri-tip, or pasta in rich ragù. At this price it’ll make a cheeseburger taste better. A great value in red wine that’s only $8 in grocery stores, imported by Gallo.
This article appears in Feb 26 – Mar 5, 2009.