Wine of the Week - Leopard's Leap Chenin Blanc 2023

Today we turn our attention towards Chenin. Our wine of the week, in collaboration with wine.co.za, is Leopard’s Leap Chenin Blanc 2023.

Table of Contents

Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards is a leading wine brand situated in the famous Franschhoek Valley. Sourcing grapes from selected vineyards in the Western Cape Winelands, Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards produces quality wines under the Leopard’s Leap label, aimed at consumers with a preference for affordable, easy-drinking wines, fit for any occasion.

At its modern premises, a sociable tasting room serves as an introduction to the wine range. At the Leopard’s Leap Rotisserie Restaurant, Christiaan Visser and his team take care of every detail. While the juicy cuts from the Rotisserie are a highlight, the Harvest Table offers a delicious variety of seasonal sides and salads.

Leopard’s Leap’s elegant Classic collection is a range of wines with structure and style that can be served on any table and any occasion. The Collection comprises a Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Unwooded Chardonnay, Chardonnay Pinot Noir, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, Pinotage, Chescato, Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir, and Sparkling Cuvée Brut.

Leopard’s Leap Chenin Blanc 2023 is a medium-bodied white wine made in a fresh and fruity New World style. The Chenin Blanc grapes for this wine originate from the Paardeberg district in the Swartland. After crushing and fermentation, the grape juice had lees contact for three months. This enhanced the mouthfeel and body of the wine while promoting structure.

What does it smell and taste like? The wine has beautiful layers of sweet, fresh melon and guava playing on the nose, with subtle whiffs of jasmine and peach blossoms. Zesty summer melon with hints of white peaches follows through on the palate, finishing with a well-balanced crisp acidity. This Chenin Blanc won a gold medal at the 2023 Ultra Value Wine Challenge.

Leopard’s Leap Chenin Blanc 2023 is a versatile, rewarding companion to a variety of dishes such as sushi, grilled Chicken and fresh summer salads. It’s perfect for dishes containing that sweet and sour element. It’s also a winner with Leopard’s Leap’s recipe for butter chicken curry – find the recipe below.

Pairing Recipe: Butter Chicken Curry

Serves 6 – 8.

Ingredients

1 kg Chicken breast fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
250 ml Plain yoghurt
30 ml lemon juice
45 ml oil
2 onions, finely chopped
30 ml minced garlic
15 ml minced ginger
45 ml garam masala
10 ml ground cumin
30 ml paprika
15 ml turmeric
10 ml red chilli powder
Salt to taste
2 whole chillies, optional
250 ml coconut cream
1 bunch fresh coriander, chopped

Method

Place the chicken, yoghurt and lemon juice in a bowl and marinate for a few hours.
Heat the oil in a large pot on medium heat and fry the onions until golden brown. Add 250ml warm water and cook the onions until all water has cooked away.
Next, add the garlic and ginger, spices, tomato paste, salt and chillies and cook for 10 minutes, adding a dash of water to prevent burning and also stirring when necessary.
Add the chicken and yoghurt marinade and cook on medium to high heat, stirring occasionally. Do not add water to the curry.
After 8-10 minutes, add the coconut cream and the chopped coriander. Cook for five minutes. Stir once and switch off the heat.
Serve with white basmati rice or roti.

Choose a refreshing white wine like the Leopard’s Leap Chenin Blanc to counter the opulent flavours.