The home of Chenin is the Loire valley in France but when the French Huguenots fled to South Africa in the 18th century they brought with them, not only this remarkable grape, but their expertise in making superb wines from it. Many of them settled in Franschhoek, hence the name French Corner. It’s not strange, therefore, that some of the best Chenins come from there, with magnificent examples being made at Leopard’s Leap. Since last year South Africa is the world’s largest producer of Chenin, so if you aren’t familiar with it, do try—you will be pleasantly surprised. Leopard’s Leap has one unwooded, one with some wood maturity, a superb Cap Classique example, which is made exactly the same way as Champagne is, and their recent release of a delicious natural sweet version.
2025 Leopard’s Leap Chenin Blanc – a refreshing wine with herbaceous notes, ideal for sunshiny weather and extended lunch hours. Beautiful layers of fresh melon and guava play on the nose, with subtle whiffs of jasmine and peach blossoms. Lovely on its own, with fresh salads, Friday night pizza and Sunday chicken!
2024 Culinaria Chenin Blanc – based on the Chenin Blancs from Loire producers using oak fermentation, the 2024 Culinaria Chenin Blanc has a well-defined ripe fruit character with aromas of tropical fruit and yellow peach, beautifully balanced with refreshing white fruit such as pear. A remarkably versatile partner to food, from the often-challenging spice of Asian and acidity of tomato dishes to slow-cooked stews with complex flavours and even rich and creamy recipes begging for balance.
Culinaria Méthode Cap Classique – while the method to making this sparkling wine originates from France’s Champagne region and is called Méthode Cap Classique in South Africa, the Culinaria MCC is made from 100% Chenin Blanc rather than the traditional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and is therefore also inspired by the Chenin Blanc sparkling wines of Vouvray. Made from registered old vines, these Chenin grapes are exceptional and translate into flavours of green pear, Granny Smith apples, lime and grapefruit. The palate is crisp with beautiful fine bubbles due to the secondary fermentation in the bottle. This celebratory wine charms with a fresh minerality and lingers on the palate with a biscuity finish.
Culinaria Natural Sweet Chenin Blanc – while Chenin Blanc’s natural acidity makes it a wonderful variety for dry wines – fresh and vibrant or fuller-bodied and mellow – it also lends itself beautifully to off-dry and even seductive sweet wines. Inspired by the sweet Chenin Blancs of Coteaux du Layon, the Culinaria Natural Sweet is a proper dessert wine with enough acidity and structure not to be overwhelmed by its sweetness. A charmer with both sweet desserts and more savoury choices such as cheese and pâtés, the wine is deep gold in colour with an opulent bouquet of marmalade, peach, apricot and honeycomb. Add to that a delightful whiff of ginger and this new addition to the Leopard’s Leap French-inspired Culinaria collection is viscous, voluptuous and irresistible.
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For more information on Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards, visit www.leopardsleap.co.za or contact +27 (0)21 876 8002.