There is always a #WineRoutingWithLloyd visit that really stands out every year. This year, I'm telling you that Leopard's Leap is that visit. I would be lying if I said that I was expecting an exceptional visit to this Franschhoek wine estate. Well now. Was I wrong. This visit was definitely one that surpassed my every expectation & completely 'over-delivered' in every aspect.
They say that 1st impressions are lasting & could make or break you. Well, big ups to Leopard's Leap for making a very good 1st impression when we drove into the estate. WOW! A beautifully manicured garden & modern building greets you as you drive in, immediately giving me the feels that this is where I could definitely see myself spending some real relaxed time.
I was here for a visit to experience the Leopard's Leap South African Table. The concept is simple. Thinking back, the kitchen has always been the heart of the home & it brings people together. This is exactly the concept that they are running with. Get chance to sit down with your friends & family or even complete strangers to share & taste authentic SA dishes, whilst learning more about the rich food heritage of our country.
On arrival, some bubbles & nibbles. The Leopard's Leap Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir paired up with some Biltong, Drywors & Fresh Farm Bread will get your taste buds going & ready for what's to come.
You'll be lucky enough to have Chef Pieter de Jager prepping your 3 course meal right in front of you, as he shares the stories behind every plate of food & the ingredients that go into a dish. Naturally, there will be wine! Little did I know that Leopard's Leap have been keeping some amazing wines to themselves all this time, that are only available on the property or online.
Apart from the Classic Range, which I would like to think everyone is more familiar with, Leopard's Leap also have a Special Edition & Culinaria Collection which sport some phenomenal wines.
I'll make special mention of the Culinaria Chenin Blanc (100%). This is the wine that definitely finally changed my perception on Chenin Blanc & what a wonderful varietal it really is. This bottle has a ripe summer fruits on the nose, with distinct white peaches & melons coming through. Subtle hints of sweet-spices accompany the ripe fruits on the palate. A bit of structure is added to the wine, being matured in French Oak barrels & really just rounds it off beautifully. (You really want to check out the price point on this bottle here. It's a steal in my opinion.)
The Culinaria Chenin Blanc was paired with something that is really Proudly South African. I mean, what is more South African than Pap & Wors right? A homemade wors recipe, that Chef Pieter developed himself after many trial & error & tastings, that is now simply succulent & delicious. Add a bit of pap to the plate & you've got a winner! Also not your usual mielie pap that comes from the store, but from their own produces ground in their backyard. (If I could eat that pap every morning, then I'd have 2nd helpings.)
Our main meal was Lamb Shank, that was literally falling off the bone. This dish reminds me of a Sunday Lunch at my Grandparents with the whole family. A tender piece of meat served with fresh veg & a reduction. It is really just a mouthwatering dish & what I love even more, is that it is actually such a simple dish & doesn't have any ridiculously fancy elements. Plain & Simple.
Add a glass of the Special Edition Pinotage (100%), & you'll be serving an amazing pairing. Majority of the grapes used for this bottle, are bush-vines from the Paardeberg & Swartland area & are matured in French Oak barrels, making sure it has that velvety smooth finish & balance. A deep crimson colour, with hints of ripe red cherries, nutmeg & black pepper on the nose, that are joined by more red fruit & subtle vanilla on the palate. Ending off with that elegant smooth finish.
Ending off lunch with a take on the traditional Cape Malay Koesister. Not too much & just sweet enough to have you leaving that table very satisfied.
I could go on & on about all the offerings here at Leopard's Leap, but then this post would go on for a while. So I'd highly recommend a visit to the estate & delve into the wines on offer that you can't find in your local stores.
#WineRoutingWithLloyd - Driven by the #KiaSportage
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