A while ago we were party to a most interesting food and wine pairing evening. Guests were given a range of differently flavoured sauces, and asked to taste them against/with a variety of wines from around the world. While it did not surprise us that the very classic and traditional meat-based sauce suited the widest variety of red wines, we were delighted to discover the world’s ideal food partner for pinotage – beef cooked with Chinese Five Spice and soy sauce.

This is perhaps not the correct forum for a Lynn Truss-type rage against sloppy English, but it is relevant in the context of this Sunday’s Gourmet BBQ. The main course – Chinese Five Spice and soy sauce marinated sirloin – will be served with a complimentary complementary glass of Inkspot (most establishments seem to use the ‘i’ version when they don’t mean free, but matching).

We are not alone in loving Inkspot. Since its release a couple of months ago we’ve received numerous complimentary messages (ah, another context for the word!). It’s a red wine that is praised for its friendliness and drinkability.

Writing for The Nose wine bar’s newsletter, Cathy Marston commented:
“This was the wine that actually inspired me to do a whole month of screwcaps – I have long had the idea in the back of my mind, but it has always been so hard to find good reds that aren’t cork-closed. Cloof’s new range is screwcapped, fun and funky, but most importantly, the wine itself is delicious. Mainly Pinotage with some ancient Cinsaut in there spicing things up and finishing the wine with a lovely liquorice twist.”

Now, it's not that we don't value Cathy's comments, but we were seriously excited when we had a sneak peak at the 2008 John Platter ratings of our wines. Bearing in mind the price that Inkspot sells for, a three star rating would be regarded as fair.

But FOUR STARS! There are seriously expensive wines that don't get four stars.

The tasting notes record the wine's various flavour elements - "black plums, with whiffs of salty liquorice and scrub" - and then go on to sum up the total experience:

"Silky palate completes seduction. Not for long ageing, just enjoy."

Inkspot is a great red for summer. We recommend that it be served chilled, and are not averse to adding a few blocks of ice to the glass.