LeeuwenkuilCase of Chenin Blanc 2018 (R44.83 per Bottle, 6 Bottles)

About

Leeuwenkuil Family Vineyards is driven by two resilient forces – quality time and quality wine. We take pride in harnessing our strong family bond along with our shared passion for winemaking to create intriguing and memorable wines from the unique terroir of the Swartland.

Leeuwenkuil, or “Lion’s Lair”, was given its alluring name as a tribute to the ferocious Cape Lion that roamed the farmlands hunting unsuspecting cattle. Watering holes in the area were frequented by these lions, who posed a great threat to local cattle farmers. Luckily for the Dreyer family, Leeuwenkuil’s land was perfectly suited for growing vineyards.

In 1693, Leeuwenkuil was known as Schinderkuijl. This German name refers to the tradition of gathering materials from demolished buildings or shipwrecks to create something entirely new – as carried out on the farm. Today the buildings on Leeuwenkuil are some of the oldest and most valuable in the entire region.

While the manor house was built using stone, the lintels above the manor doors were sourced from the bottom of a ship’s bow. The Leeuwenkuil courtyard still has the same historical layout as back in 1704 with two long houses, outbuildings and animal pens.

Schinderkuijl was one of the early wine farms of the region and had 8000 vines planted on it. In 1800, following its subdivision, the farm’s name was changed to Leeuwenkuil and in 1851, the charismatic Dreyer family became the new owners. Johan Frederik Dreyer was a direct descendant of Johannes Augustus Dreyer who fled Germany, in 1713. As with any good tale, this adventure involved a woman. Legend has it he had to flee Germany after defeating his opponent in a sword fight over this very woman.

Product Features

• 6 Bottles
• 100% Chenin Blanc
• Wine of Origin: Swartland
• Vintage: 2018
• Perfect for enjoying right now on the patio.
• Technical Analysis:
• Alcohol 12.5%
• Residual Sugar 1.60 g/l
• Total Acid 5.9 g/l
• pH 3.38

Tasting Notes

A refined and racy offering with vibrant aromas of green apple and tropical fruit. Its good minerality leads to a wonderfully fresh finish.

In The Cellar

No oak was used. Fermentation was completed in stainless steel tanks with natural yeasts and the wine was left on the lees for as long as possible before being bottled.

Vineyard

The grapes are sourced from 30-year-old goblet vine that consistently produces superior quality grapes. They are harvested at different stages, resulting in sugars that range from 21.5 to 23.5 degrees Balling. Clones SN1061 and SN1064 are used.

The vines, which are farmed without irrigation, are rooted on 99 Richter.

Food Pairing

Makes a fine partner for light fare such as fish, shellfish, white meat, and salads, but is equally delightful on its own by the glass.