Reds to braai for

t might be a cliché to pair red wine with meat, but there’s actually some science behind it: The protein and fat in a juicy steak both help to soften aggressive tannins in the wine, as does the seasoning, which every good cook will add to his or her cut before putting it on the grill. Here are three nice reds to try this month. There aren’t too many malbecs in South Africa, but as any Argentinian will tell you, there’s no better varietal to match with meat. Malbec is inky black with lots of dark, dense fruit flavours and although it originally comes from Bordeaux and the adjacent region of Cahors, it’s now completely associated with the land of Lionel Messi. One of our local malbecs – the Bellevue Malbec 2014 (R110) – would be able to hold its head high in Mendoza. It’s darkly delicious (as it should be) with just the slightest whiff of perfume to lighten the mood. If you’re looking for more elegance and perfume, a pinot noir might be the wine for you. Lourensford has just released a new label called The Dome and one of the most significant things about The Dome Pinot Noir 2016 is its price – at only R135 a bottle, this must be one of the best value pinots in the country. It’s a lovely wine, full of juicy red fruit with hints of leather and spice – the perfect partner for duck or game. Many of us are trying to eat less meat these days – for health or environmental reasons. If you decide to indulge in a hunk of sustainably farmed, grain-fed steak, then maybe you should splash out with an equally awesome wine. The Glenelly Lady May 2012 (R490) is one of the finest Bordeaux blends in the country, crafted with French know-how and South African sunshine. It’s rich yet elegant with layer upon layer of flavour – a true feast for the senses.