Celebrate International Merlot Day

Celebrate with Your Favourite Red and Summer Inspired Tasty Braised Short Ribs on International Merlot Day

If you are looking for a good reason to indulge in a good red wine, it’s International Merlot Day on 7th November. What better way to celebrate this popular, easy drinking wine than with a tasty short rib pairing that’s easy to prepare and perfect for entertaining friends.Try this recipe perfected by TV personality and well-known chef, Mynhardt Joubert, paired with a glass or two of KWV Classic Merlot, for a simply sensational taste sensation.

Ingredients: Serves 4 to 62 kg of beef short ribs (Ask your butcher to cut you flank-style short ribs cut across the bone instead of parallel to the bone).2 table spoons of canola oilSalt and pepper2 large onions chopped4 stalks of celery chopped3 carrots sliced4 cloves of grated garlic3 table spoons of soya sauce1 litre of beef stock1 tablespoon of honey1 cup of chopped coriander and more for garnish1 bottle of KWV Classic Collection MerlotSesame seeds

Method:Season the ribs and pan fry until golden brown on each side in the oil remove and let it rest.Add to the pan the onions, celery, carrots and garlic and sauté until golden brown.Place the meat back into the pot and add the soya sauce, stock, honey, coriander and red wine.Let it gently cook and simmer for about an hour and a half.Strain the liquid off and discard the vegetables and the bones from the meat, which by this time should be easy to remove.Let the meat cool down and reduce the red wine liquid with two thirds until a thick sticky sauce starts to form.Place the meat back into the sauce and heat and cook through for about another ten to fifteen minutes while the sauce reduces and clings to the meat.Serve with steamed green vegetables and sprinkle with fresh coriander and sesame seeds.NB: This recipe can be made up to two days in advance and finished off before serving.

Pair with KWV Classic MerlotThis generous and vibrant Merlot shows upfront raspberry, plum and mulberry flavours with nuances of eucalyptus and cigar box. The palate is accessible with indulgent tannins and a seamless, lingering finish. It’s great on its own, with this dish, or with tomato-based pastas, roasted duck, chicken or grilled steak.KWV Classic Collection Merlot is available at retailers nationwide at a cost of R62.95 or buy online via the KWV Wine Emporium: http://kwvwineemporium.co.za/shop/product-category/kwv-classic-collection/ For more information visit: www.kwv.co.za or join the conversation on facebook.com/KWVWines and Twitter: @KWVWines #WINETHIS