Rib Shack Red is a red dry wine from South Africa, produced by Douglas Green. It’s a blend of Pinotage and Shiraz, two varieties known for their expressive fruit and peppery depth. The grapes are fermented on the skins for around 7 days at warm temperatures (~28 °C) until dry, then matured using oak staves (French oak) for a few months to impart subtle wood-derived character. The wine is designed to be full-bodied yet approachable, balancing ripe dark berry flavour with smoky, chocolatey and oak spice accents. Alcohol content is about 13-13.5% ABV.
Tasting Notes:
- Appearance: Deep maroon with purple hues; rich and glossy in the glass.
- Aroma: Dark berries (blackberry, prune), chocolate and smoke; oak spice mingling with plum notes.
- Palate: Full-bodied; juicy dark fruits up front (blackberry, plum), smooth tannins, with oak-derived smoky/spicy and chocolate undertones; velvety texture.
- Finish: Warm and lingering; sweetness from fruit balanced by oak and smoke; moderate length.
- ABV: ~ 13–13.5%
Serving Suggestions:
Serve at around 16-18 °C. Decanting can help if the wine is young. It pairs excellently with grilled or barbecued meats (steak, ribs, sausages), smoky dishes, game, and hearty fare. Also works well with rich dark sauces or cheese boards with aged cheeses.