Leopard's Leap
 South Africa 
http://www.leopards-leap.com

The Estate
Situated at the most southern tip of the African continent, South Africa is a country rich in diversity, a nation steeped in history, and one with a bright future. Agriculture is one of the country’s principal industries, and its rich culture of winemaking spans 300 years. Today, one of the best ways to experience South Africa’s unique heritage is by tasting its world-class wines. Leopard’s Leap is based in the picturesque town of Franschhoek, situated in the heart of South Africa’s winelands, located in the Western Cape province. An hour’s drive from Cape Town, Franschhoek is not only home to some of the country’s finest wine estates, but is also considered to be the culinary capital of South Africa.

The Name Leopard's Leap refers to the Cape Leopard and the efforts of the winery to reinstate the Cape Leopard.

"We are a proud sponsor of the Cape Leopard Trust, a NGO aiming to optimally facilitate conservation of the Cape region's predators, in particular the endangered Cape mountain leopard.
Cape mountain leopards fill the role of apex predators in the Western Cape ecosystem and act as an 'umbrella species' to control the numbers of smaller predators. In effect, they thus help with the conservation of other species by maintaining this balance. By simultaneously implementing conservation strategies, research projects and tourism initiatives, the trust works tirelessly to conserve these beautiful animals."


Hein Koegelenberg (owner) and Eugene Van Zyl (Winemaker) in the cellar

 
Eugene Van Zyl (Winemaker)


The Barrels
The Vineyards

We at Leopard’s Leap understand that the first thing the everyday consumer looks for when selecting wine is price. That is why we pride ourselves on producing excellent quality wine at affordable price points. Our winemaker, Eugene van Zyl, selects the best grape varietals from the Cape Winelands region, and strives to create wines that are high on quality and can compete with the best of South African wines. Our philosophy embodies creating wines that are  popular with all palates and easy to drink, but does not compromise on quality, and can be served at a widevariety of social occasions. Leopard’s Leap produces three ranges. The premium Family Collection is at the top end, and with its sleek black, gold and red labels, these wines are perfect for special occasions. The elegant Classic Collection boasts a wide variety of well-structured wines that all pair exceptionally well with a wide selection of food. The Lookout Range is more fun-loving and is perfect for everyday drinking and as a companion to social events.


The Vineyards

Hein Koegelenberg and Eugene Van Zyl in the vineyards
The Wines 

Shelf-talkers / Case card

2011 Leopard's Leap, Chenin Blanc 12/750ml
UPC code: 7 84585 01387 6
 #SA1EE271001CBS
Varietal: 100% Chenin Blanc.
Wine Style: Unwooded, fresh style with bottle maturation.
Vinification: Whole-bunch pressed, settled and cold fermented with extended lees contact. Fermentation takes place at optimum temperatures. Grapes are sourced from the Perdeberg region, outside Paarl.

Alcohol percentage: 13.5 %
Total Acidity: 6.8 g/L
pH: 3.2
Residual Sugar: 1.9 g/L
Total Production: 6,600 cases
With its abundance of fruit and the brightness of sunshine, this Chenin Blanc is a remarkable reflection of the African continent. Showing layers of ripe tropical fruit and nutty undertones, combined with a zesty freshness, it embraces the friendliness of the Cape Winelands. Exceptionally versatile, this wine compliments soups, seafoods and white meats, to salads and after-dinner snacks such as olives and cheese.

National Retail Price: $13.99 / bottle

Shelf-talkers / Case card

2011 Leopard's Leap, Chardonnay / Viognier 12/750ml
UPC code: 7 84585 01388 3
 #SA1EE271000CHS
 Varietals: 99% Chardonnay, 1% Viognier.
Wine Style: Unwooded, elegant and full-bodied.
Vinification: Whole-bunch pressed, settled and cold fermented with extended lees contact. Fermentation takes place at optimum temperatures. Grapes are sourced from Villiersdorp and Darling regions.

Alcohol percentage: 13.5 %
Total Acidity: 6.4 g/L
pH: 3.35
Residual Sugar: 2.1 g/L
Total Production: 22,000 cases

 This refined blend is produced to be an elegant, medium bodied wine with an abundance of tropical fruit, with the added complexity of the slightly wooded Viognier component. It is further enhanced by the tones of apricot and melon from the Viognier.

National Retail Price: $13.99 / bottle

Shelf-talkers / Case card

2010 Leopard's Leap, Merlot 12/750ml
UPC code: 7 84585 01389 0
 #SA0EE271002MRM
 Varietal: 100% Merlot
Wine Style: Medium-bodied, fruity
Ageing: 40% of wine was matured in 225-liter European oak barrels for 12 month. Balance of wine was oak staved for 6 months with added micro-oxygenation.
Vinification: Selective grape selection from the Darling, Swartland and Franschhoek regions. Standard fermentation with selective yeast accompanied by pump-overs and punch-downs at optimum temperatures. Extended skin maceration, pressed and post-fermentation malolactic.

Alcohol percentage: 13.5 %
Total Acidity: 6.7 g/L
pH: 3.6
Residual Sugar: 3.1 g/L
Total Production: 12,000 cases

It's deep in color with predominant dark fruit and wild mushroom flavors. The palate is rich with notes of chocolate and a cedar wood finish.

National Retail Price: $13.99 / bottle

Shelf-talkers / Case card

2010 Leopard's Leap, Pinotage / Shiraz 12/750ml
UPC code: 7 84585 01386 9
 #SA0EE271003PTM
 Varietal: 50% Pinotage, 50% Shiraz
Wine Style: Medium-bodied, fruity
Ageing: The Shiraz component was matured in 225-liter European oak barrels for 12 month. The Pinotage component was oak staved for 6 months with added micro-oxygenation.
Vinification: Grape selection from Villiersdorp, Darling and other prime Western Cape regions. Standard fermentation with selective yeast accompanied by pump-overs and punch-downs at 3 degrees Celcius. Extended skin maceration, pressed and post-fermentation malolactic. Fermentation completed in oak staves.

Alcohol percentage: 13.5 %
Total Acidity: 5.92 g/L
pH: 3.49
Residual Sugar: 3.2 g/L
Total Production: 20,000 cases
Soft and medium-bodied, this wine reflects the distinctive characteristics of both varietals in the blend. Plum and mullberry flavors are supported by vanilla undertones while the character us spicy and peppery, with a firm tannin structure. An ideal companion with oxtail, roast pork or hearty stews, as well as liver, quiche or cold meats. Also on its own a sheer delight.

National Retail Price: $13.99 / bottle