“For us, the highlight of the accolades is that our 2021 Leopard’s Leap Culinaria Grand Vin was awarded Red Wine of the Year, while also being the Grand Cru National Champion Best in Class.

“This Bordeaux-style red blend has always been a popular choice, and the exceptional recognition for the 2021 vintage confirms that we are not imagining the elegance of its style and the versatility of its food pairing ability,” said Kobie Lochner, CEO.

This wine, together with the 2024 Pinot Noir, its red partner in the Culinaria Collection, is also included in the Top 100, while both wines received Double Platinum awards.

The 2021 Culinaria Grand Vin goes well with red meat dishes. Photo supplied

The 2025 vintage of the stalwart Leopard’s Leap Culinaria Chenin Blanc was also recognised with a Double Gold award.

The 2021 Culinaria Grand Vin is all about complex layers of red fruit, cassis, tobacco and a hint of cedar. The palate is smooth with a fruity mulberry aftertaste, while ripe tannins ensure a firm, elegant structure. An excellent partner to red meat dishes, especially lamb.

The Culinaria Grand Vin is a full-bodied red blend based on the acclaimed reds of the Bordeaux region. Alongside the Grand Vin is the 2024 Culinaria Pinot Noir. Stylistically, these wines could not be more different, making them the ultimate winter warming duo. 

It has red and darker fruit nuances with subtle berry aromas and a layered and complex palate with lengthy acidity and minerality. Elegantly weighted and food-loving, it goes well with duck and risotto dishes.

Grapes used for the Loire-inspired 2025 Culinaria Chenin Blanc are from the Voor-Paardeberg, acclaimed for its exceptional Chenin Blanc. It has a well-defined ripe fruit character with aromas of tropical fruit and yellow peach are balanced with refreshing white fruit such as pear. 

A hint of sweet spice charms the nose while a vibrant acidity and elegant nuances of oak contribute structure and complexity.

‘Celebration of the harmony’

It is a remarkably versatile partner to food and should be enjoyed with Asian dishes, Cape Malay spices, salads with tomato, sharp vinaigrettes or tangy mayonnaise and a variety of seafood.

The Culinaria Collection by Leopard’s Leap not only acknowledges the elegance of the original French styles it is based on, but as the name suggests, is a celebration of the harmony in which food and wine complement one another.

OFM Agri sm/dg

• Share your agriculture news: agri@ofm.co.za.