Leeuwenkuil Shiraz 2013
If you enjoy a Shiraz and are looking for a bottle of excellent quality that is well-priced, look no further. Leeuwenkuil Shiraz was one of the shining stars at a recent Decanter panel tasting of South African Shiraz, when it was rated Highly Recommended and awarded a mighty 92 points, while retailing for only R45.
The Decanter panel was blown away by the calibre of South African Shiraz and identified the Swartland as the leading Shiraz-growing region in SA, “being the most Rhône-like”, and producing wines that consistently offer “purity, restraint, fragrance, intensity, freshness and ripeness”.
The Swartland is characterised by mostly dryland grape farming, utilising little or no irrigation, which leads to more intense and expressive wines. The particular soil types which make this area unique, combined with a predominantly Mediterranean climate (hot, dry summers and wet winters), create conditions under which specific cultivars like Shiraz thrive. Leeuwenkuil Family Vineyards, one of the leading grape growers in the Swartland, which is arguably South Africa’s leading Shiraz-growing region, has received great acclaim for its 2013 Shiraz.
Leeuwenkuil Shiraz 2013
Tasting notes from Decanter: “Delicate violet nose gives way to a polished wine offering bright red fruit, fine peppered tannins and crunchy acidity. Has a wonderful Syrah typicity that’s complex and alluring; very Swartland”
Food pairing: Great on its own or paired with feast-worthy foods like roast duck, grilled meats and wild mushroom pasta.
Try paired with one of these delicious recipes!
Salty Roast Duck with Poached Peaches
Did you know, Leeuwenkuil means lion’s lair? The historic farm is owned by the Dreyer family and is located in the Paardeberg area of the Swartland. This name was chosen as the name for the range of wines because it symbolised the pioneering spirit of the Dreyer family, whose forefathers protected their cattle from the Cape Lion. The classical and elegant white Leeuwenkuil label has a gold logo that craftily blends a lion’s head into a vine leaf.
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