The little black dress of wine
Wine Enthusiast calls Chenin Blanc the "little black dress of the wine world" and we couldn't agree more. With the annual Franschhoek Bastille Festival happening mid-July, our French winemaking heritage is top of mind and we have been thinking about what is it that makes this French variety that has been cultivated in the Loire Valley since at least the 9th century, so suitable to South African terroir and palates that we think of it as an authentically South African wine.
This July, join us, get to know our French-inspired Chenin Blancs, have fun with us at the Franschhoek Bastille Festival Marquee, and book for the Fabulous French Fête – the valley’s ultimate French affair!
Liquid gold from the Loire
Inspired by the original French styles of Chenin Blanc, we use the bright fruit of South African vineyards to charm with everything from an easy-drinking Classic Chenin Blanc to a brand new Natural Sweet addition to the range:
- 2025 Leopard's Leap Classic Chenin Blanc: A refreshing wine with herbaceous notes, ideal for sunshiny weather and extended lunch hours. Although inspired by the lighter wines of the Loire, often labelled as Vouvray or Anjou, this style of Chenin Blanc seems like it is made for a South African summer.
- 2024 Culinaria Chenin Blanc: Based on the Chenin Blancs from Loire producers in regions like Vouvray, Savennières, and Bonnezeaux 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.
- 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.
- Culinaria Natural Sweet Chenin Blanc: While Chenin Blanc's natural acidity makes it a wonderful variety for dry wines, 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 to not be overwhelmed by its sweetness.
Join us for a Chenin Blanc tasting and try a delightful pairing with the French favourite, crêpes suzette! Available in our Tasting Room from 11-31 July.
French-inspired finesse
You can travel the French wine country from the comfort of your own home or while visiting the Leopard’s Leap Tasting room!
Choose between the Loire-inspired 2024 Culinaria Chenin Blanc, Bordeaux-style blend, 2021 Grand Vin, our version of Burgundy’s fame with the 2023 Culinaria Pinot Noir or 2024 Culinaria Pinot Noir Chardonnay, and then, of course, the celebratory Méthode Cap Classique, SA’s interpretation of Champagne, and a delightful new addition to the range, a Natural Sweet Chenin Blanc as the perfect sweet ending to any meal.
Buy any six bottles of Culinaria during July from our Tasting Room or leopardsleap.co.za and get 10% off!
Click HERE to shop our wines.
A French party
This is your last chance to get tickets to the French affair of the year! Join us for a festive start to the annual Franschhoek Bastille Weekend with a Fabulous French Fête at Leopard's Leap. A celebration of French-inspired food, wine and music, this fun event takes place on Friday, 11 July. Tickets are R550 per person and include a French75 cocktail on arrival, a starter to Frenchify your palate as well as a buffet of famous French staples like Boeuf Bourguignon, Coq au Vin and a Toulouse-inspired Cassoulet. There will be music, fun and all kinds of fabulosity!
Click HERE to read more and book your tickets.
Le Cordon Bleu
The French – and Franschhoek! – lifestyle is all about sharing delicious food and wine with friends and family. Based on famous French styles, our Culinaria wines are exceptional partners to food. If you can’t join us in the Franschhoek Valley this July, try some of these delicious French favourites at home!
