Bon Appétit – French Recipes Paired with Leopard’s Leap Culinaria Collection

Words: Crush

French cuisine is considered one of the finest in the world, with a rich tapestry of flavours and techniques. When combined with the perfect wine, the experience becomes c’est magnifique. We’ve recreated four French-inspired dishes that showcase the charm of classic French cuisine, each paired with four wines from Leopard’s Leap Culinaria Collection.

Leopard’s Leap Culinaria Collection

Leopard’s Leap Culinaria Collection celebrates the marriage between food and wine, through balancing flavours and enhancing taste. From the vibrant acidity of Chenin Blanc to the rich complexity of the Grand Vin, and the elegant Pinot Noir, each wine is a symphony of flavours crafted to enhance your meal, whether enjoying a rustic French dish or an elevated dessert. Impress dinner guests with these four delicious and simple wine-paired recipes.


Country Rustic Dijon Chicken

Comforting and flavoursome, this Country Rustic Dijon Chicken embodies the charm of rustic French cooking – the perfect centrepiece for an intimate dinner party with friends.

The vibrant acidity of Leopard’s Leap 2022 Culinaria Chenin Blanc is ideal for rich meals. Ripe pear notes and spice aromas complement the fragrant mustard and thyme in this dish. Utterly divine!

Tender chicken portions with crispy skin are pan-fried to golden-brown perfection and bathed in a creamy Dijon mustard sauce, with hints of thyme. The tanginess of the Dijon mustard adds a delightful twist, while the chicken stock, brown mushrooms and onion impart heaps of flavour and body. Spoon wholegrain mustard into the sauce for added texture and drizzle with the mushroom pan jus for extra flavour. Mop up the luscious sauce with baguette chunks, and be transported to the countryside of France.

Recipe for Country Rustic Dijon Chicken


Tartiflette Savoyarde

Inspired by northern French cuisine, we’ve recreated a classic ski-lodge dish, Tartiflette Savoyarde. Indulgent and satisfying, this dish is ideal for wintry weekend evenings by the fireplace, entertaining friends and drinking wine.

A full-bodied Bordeaux-style blend, Leopard’s Leap 2020 Culinaria Grand Vin pairs exceptionally with hearty dishes. Rich berry and oaked flavours of this Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine beautifully contrast the creaminess of this dish.

Fluffy potatoes baked in a creamy sauce, laden with smoky pork lardons and bubbling hot Camembert cheese – it doesn’t get more heavenly than this! Tartiflette Savoyarde traditionally uses reblochon cheese, we’ve opted for Camembert in this revamped rendition. Bake in the oven to reduce the cream; the potatoes should be fluffy and the Camembert melted. Top with caramelised onions and serve with gherkins to cut through the richness. Lastly, tuck in the creamy goodness with baguette slices and enjoy with a glass of Grand Vin.

Recipe for Tartiflette Savoyarde


Pork Chops Au Poivre

Impress dinner guests with this homely yet elegant dish. Succulent chops on a bed of velvety, peppery sauce – Au Poivre is the unmistakable flavour of French cuisine.

Subtle tannins and the fresh acidity of Leopard’s Leap 2021 Culinaria Pinot Noir makes it the perfect partner for most dishes. Dark fruit flavours and earthy hints complement the peppery sauce.

Paying homage to Leopard’s Leap Culinaria Pinot Noir, a combination of Old World Burgundy with New World Pinot Noir, we’ve recreated this traditional dish with a modern twist, using pork chops instead of a steak. Chops are pan-seared and smothered in a luscious black pepper sauce. Served with buttery mashed potatoes and steamed asparagus for crunch, this delectable dish is simple to prepare and incredibly comforting – guests will savour every bite. C’est magnifique!

Recipe for Pork Chops Au Poivre


Vanilla & Hazelnut Mille-Feuille

Elevate celebrations and end dinner on a sweet note with this delightful Vanilla & Hazelnut Mille-Feuille – the ideal match for Leopard’s Leap Culinaria Brut Méthod Cap Classique.

Paired with Leopard’s Leap Culinaria Brut Méthod Cap Classique; citrus and biscuit undertones take these treats to delicious heights, while the lively bubbles lift the flavours.

French cuisine is filled with delicious dessert pastries, mille-feuille being one of them. Layers of delicate puff pastry, silky vanilla pastry cream and toasted hazelnuts create a symphony of textures and flavours in this impressive treat. Puff pastry is baked to golden brown perfection and piped with vanilla and hazelnut crème pâtissière in between. Once the Mille-Feuilles are assembled, garnish with hazelnut for an enhanced nutty flavour.

Recipe for Vanilla & Hazelnut Mille-Feuille

The Culinaria Collection is available exclusively at Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards. View and shop the full range online, here.

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