Pair This: Rib Shack Red and A Guy

I’ve been exploring some really outstanding South African wines recently. Cape Classics, a premier importer of wines from South Africa, sent me a half case of excellent wine that I’ll soon be writing about.  I also recently tried two outstanding wines from South Africa’s Silkbush Mountain Vineyards, a Viognier (which made it onto my Extraordinary White Wines of the World list) and a Pinotage, that Forever Changed My Thoughts on South Africa’s signature varietal.

I now have another South African beauty of a wine to add to my ever-growing list: Rib Shack Red – and this masculine wine pairs perfectly with a masculine guy.  Not only does the bottle have an overall manly look to it, but what’s inside will easily turn a “give me a Stout” guy into a “I’ll have a glass of red” guy.

The 2012 vintage Rib Shack Red ($9.99) is a big, bold, bad-to-the-bone blend of 60% Pinotage and 40% Shiraz.  Full bodied and beefy on the palate, the dark fruit aromas and flavors are highlighted by smokey spices, tobacco and oak. The mouthfeel is juicy and lush, and the finish is super smooth with just enough acidity to slice through the bold flavors of many meats that guys love to throw on to the BBQ (especially ribs) – the reason why this wine’s been dubbed The Official BBQ Wine.  They’re even a certified member of the Grillers Association. (Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find any information on this association – after my guy tried this wine <and he loved it>, he was hoping to join.)

Ladies, this is the perfect wine to turn that beer drinking guy of yours into an admirer of wine; therefore, pair it with your favorite guy – I bet he’ll even tell his buddies about it.

*This wine was provided to me for review purposes.