{"title":"Braai Ready Reds","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"dornier-cabernet-sauvignon-merlot-2019","title":"Dornier Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003eDornier Wine Estate is nestled on the sun-drenched slopes of Stellenbosch Mountain, where decomposed granite soils and cool Atlantic breezes help red varieties develop both ripe fruit and structural balance. The estate’s focus is on crafting expressive wines that reflect this unique terroir, blending Old World Bordeaux sensibilities with meticulous New World vineyard and cellar practices. Grapes for the Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot are handled separately through fermentation and oak ageing before blending, ensuring the final wine captures both the depth of Cabernet and the richness of Merlot without losing varietal clarity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1520\" data-end=\"1634\"\u003eColour:\u003cbr data-start=\"1531\" data-end=\"1534\"\u003eDeep ruby with a hint of garnet at the rim, suggesting good concentration and promising development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1636\" data-end=\"1852\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1636\" data-end=\"1852\"\u003eNose:\u003cbr data-start=\"1645\" data-end=\"1648\"\u003eThe aromatics open with dark berry fruits — blackcurrant and plum — accompanied by nuances of chocolate, cedar and hints of violet, adding depth and intrigue. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1854\" data-end=\"2146\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1854\" data-end=\"2146\"\u003ePalate:\u003cbr data-start=\"1865\" data-end=\"1868\"\u003eOn the palate this Bordeaux-style blend feels rich and textured, with ripe fruit flavours intertwined with mocha and subtle oak spice. Firm yet balanced tannins support the full body, giving structure without overpowering the fruit. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2148\" data-end=\"2360\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2148\" data-end=\"2360\"\u003eFinish:\u003cbr data-start=\"2159\" data-end=\"2162\"\u003eThe finish is long and elegant, with lingering layers of dark fruit and gentle spice that carry through, making it satisfying both on its own and with food.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dornier","offers":[{"title":"Red Dry \/ Red","offer_id":45038271889587,"sku":"RW1928BB32","price":195.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5195\/9731\/files\/13667-large_default.jpg?v=1762154121"},{"product_id":"zandvliet-my-best-friend-cape-red-2024","title":"Zandvliet My Best Friend Cape Red 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003eFrom \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eZandvliet Wine Estate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e - a long-established family-run winery rooted in the Breede River Valley’s limestone-rich soils - the My Best Friend range is crafted for everyday friendly drinking with easy food pairings. The Cape Red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Pinotage is picked and blended to capture ripe red fruit character and spice, fermented and matured without oak to preserve freshness and quaffability. This approachable wine reflects Zandvliet’s ethos of simple, satisfying wines that are accessible in style without complexity getting in the way of genuine enjoyment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1552\" data-end=\"1666\"\u003eColour: Deep red with ruby hues, suggesting juicy ripe fruit up front. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1668\" data-end=\"1867\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1668\" data-end=\"1867\"\u003eNose: Aromas of fresh red cherries and plums mingle with soft spice and a touch of red berry brightness, giving an inviting and easygoing first impression. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1869\" data-end=\"2157\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1869\" data-end=\"2157\"\u003ePalate: Smooth and medium-bodied, the palate showcases juicy red fruit flavours supported by gentle spice and herbal notes. The absence of oak influence keeps the texture light and approachable, making it easy to savour on its own or with food. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2159\" data-end=\"2329\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2159\" data-end=\"2329\"\u003eFinish: The finish is soft and lingering, with fruit flavours and a hint of subtle pepper, making it a crowd-pleasing quaffer.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Van Loveren","offers":[{"title":"Red Dry \/ Red","offer_id":45104459645107,"sku":"RW2428BR08","price":75.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5195\/9731\/files\/RW2428BR08.jpg?v=1762215323"},{"product_id":"hartenberg-estate-shiraz-2021","title":"Hartenberg Estate Shiraz 2021","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"477\" data-end=\"782\"\u003eSituated on the Bottelary Hills in Stellenbosch, Hartenberg Estate is one of the Cape’s historic wine farms, with winemaking roots dating back to 1692. Over the past few decades the estate has built a strong reputation for Shiraz, helping establish the variety as one of Stellenbosch’s defining red wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"784\" data-end=\"1310\"\u003eThe vineyards lie on decomposed granite soils on the north-western slopes of the Bottelary Hills, where warm days encourage full ripening while cooling maritime influences help preserve freshness. Hartenberg places strong emphasis on regenerative farming and soil health, aiming to produce wines that express both vineyard character and varietal clarity. The Estate Shiraz is matured in French oak barrels for around 18 months, adding structure and subtle spice while allowing the fruit and site to remain central to the wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"784\" data-end=\"1310\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1421\" data-end=\"1508\"\u003eColour:\u003cbr data-start=\"1432\" data-end=\"1435\"\u003eDeep ruby with youthful purple edges and good concentration in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1421\" data-end=\"1508\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1510\" data-end=\"1716\"\u003eNose:\u003cbr data-start=\"1519\" data-end=\"1522\"\u003eRich aromas of plum, mulberry and blackberry lead the bouquet, followed by notes of black pepper, cinnamon and clove. Subtle hints of smoky oak, dried herbs and dark chocolate develop with time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1510\" data-end=\"1716\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1718\" data-end=\"1991\"\u003ePalate:\u003cbr data-start=\"1729\" data-end=\"1732\"\u003eFull-bodied and structured, with ripe dark fruit balanced by savoury spice. The tannins are firm yet polished, supporting flavours of black plum, black cherry and peppery spice. Fresh acidity keeps the wine lively and prevents the richness from feeling heavy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1718\" data-end=\"1991\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1993\" data-end=\"2095\"\u003eFinish:\u003cbr data-start=\"2004\" data-end=\"2007\"\u003eLong and warming, with lingering dark fruit, cracked pepper and a gentle smoky oak note.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hartenberg","offers":[{"title":"750ml Bottle","offer_id":45221660328115,"sku":"RW2128SH86","price":295.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5195\/9731\/files\/HartenbergEstateShiraz2021.jpg?v=1768484826"},{"product_id":"meerlust-red-2022","title":"Meerlust Red 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003eNestled in the heart of Stellenbosch just a few kilometres from False Bay, Meerlust Estate is one of South Africa’s most storied wineries, family-owned since 1756 and credited with shaping the Cape’s modern red wine identity. The Meerlust Red sits just below the estate’s flagship Rubicon in the range; it showcases the estate’s long tradition of crafting Bordeaux-style blends that balance ripe South African fruit with classic structure. Vines grow on a patchwork of clay-rich and granite-influenced soils that moderate ripening through cooling ocean breezes, and parcels are vinified separately to capture nuance before careful blending and oak ageing. The result is a serious, terroir-driven red that reflects Stellenbosch’s maritime-tinged character with layered fruit and measured oak integration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1749\" data-end=\"1845\"\u003eColour: A deep ruby-garnet core with youthful hues, promising both richness and development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1749\" data-end=\"1845\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1847\" data-end=\"2124\"\u003eNose: Aromas of cassis and plum lead, layered with subtle cedar spice, dried herbs and a light touch of oak warmth - harmonised rather than dominant. The blend’s Cabernet and Franc components add structure and complexity to the bouquet.\u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1847\" data-end=\"2124\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2126\" data-end=\"2449\"\u003ePalate: Medium- to full-bodied with ripe dark fruit flavours - think black cherry and wild blackberry - supported by well-integrated tannins and balanced acidity. Secondary notes of tobacco leaf, fine oak spice and a hint of savoury earth lend depth without overshadowing the fruit.\u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2126\" data-end=\"2449\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2451\" data-end=\"2606\"\u003eFinish: Clean and lingering, with fruit and spice gently persisting and a savoury nuance that invites another sip.\u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"instant-open\" aria-describedby=\"radix-_r_dc_\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Meerlust","offers":[{"title":"750ml Bottle","offer_id":45221660623027,"sku":"RW2223BB08","price":259.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5195\/9731\/files\/MeerlustRed2022.jpg?v=1768484968"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.wineofthemonth.co.za\/collections\/braai-ready-reds.oembed","provider":"Wine of the Month","version":"1.0","type":"link"}