# Culinaria Collection Grand Vin (2020)

- **Producer:** Leopard's Leap Wines
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
- **Region:** Western Cape, South Africa
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Aromas & flavours:** black cherry, red cherry, blackcurrant, mulberry, cedar, vanilla, tobacco, dried fruit, walnut, earth, leather

## About this wine

The Leopard's Leap Culinaria Collection Grand Vin 2020 is a red wine from South Africa's Western Cape, produced by Leopard's Leap Family Vineyards. It is a Bordeaux-style blend, primarily featuring Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The Culinaria Collection is dedicated to the synergy between food and wine, with wines selected for their exceptional grape characteristics. The producer, founded by Hein and Hanneli Rupert-Koegelenberg, operates under the philosophy of 'Adding quality to life' and supports environmental causes. The Western Cape region provides a suitable terroir for these classic varietals. The 2020 vintage was noted for its quality, with lower yields contributing to its character.

## Interesting facts

- Part of the Culinaria Collection, wines are made only when grapes show extraordinary qualities.
- The producer supports the Cape Leopard Trust, focusing on animal welfare.
- This wine is a Bordeaux-style blend, a classic international style.
- The 2020 vintage won a Gold medal at the CWSA - China Wine & Spirits Awards.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium-plus body and tannins are well-suited to complement the richness of proteins like beef and lamb, softening their texture. The fruit notes in the wine can echo or contrast with savory dishes, while herbal elements can be bridged by aromatic ingredients in the food.

## Wine making process

The Leopard's Leap Culinaria Collection Grand Vin 2020 is a Bordeaux-style blend, primarily composed of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, sourced from select vineyards across South Africa's Cape Winelands. The wine is produced under the Culinaria Collection's principle of selecting only grapes exhibiting extraordinary characteristics for a given vintage. The producer, Leopard's Leap Family Vineyards, is committed to adding quality to life and supports environmental preservation. The 2020 vintage was noted for its excellent quality despite lower yields. Specific vinification details such as fermentation vessels, temperatures, yeast types, and aging processes for this vintage are not detailed, but the blend suggests methods aimed at developing the classic characteristics of its constituent varietals.