Wine of the week: The Curator Red 2021

There’s a reason why so many South African wines keep showing up on the blog

In the blog’s first decade, it was rare to see a South African wine. Maybe a sauvignon blanc every once in a while, but that was about it. These days, though, they show up all the time.

So what changed?

Quality and value both improved, as The Curator Red ($13, sample, 14%) demonstrates.

This South African red blend isn’t quite as well done as previous vintages – there are some rough edges, though they may go away in time. But it’s still another professional, fairly-priced wine that tastes like wine. And we know how difficult those are to find these days.

The blend is mostly cabernet sauvignon and shiraz (about one-third each), which explains why it tastes the way it does — some spice, some dark fruit, and more tannins than I expected. But it’s not heavy or hot, and it won’t overwhelm dinner.

Pair this with end of summer barbecues or even a smoked pork shoulder (or, for those without a smoker, a slow cooker). If it’s not quite Hall of Fame worthy (as the white blend is), it’s still a fine cheap wine.

Imported by Broadbent Selections