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It is often said that Shiraz is a good match to spicy food, but not all spicy food is the same. Between the sweet spice of Bobotie and the hot spice of Thai, where does the affinity of Shiraz lie?
Shiraz is renowned for its exceptional and lush mid-palate and mouthfeel. The grape is naturally full-bodied and known for delivering a rich, mouth-coating, and fruit-forward flavour profile right in the middle of the tasting experience.
With such a magnificent mid-palate, perhaps when it comes to its ability to pair with spice, the middle of the spice world should also be considered. Halfway between the hot spices of the Far East and the aromatic sweet spices that made their way along the Spice Route around the Southern point of Africa, there is the Middle East and North Africa with its fragrant spices such as cumin and sumac.
As Leopard’s Leap is celebrating Seven Days of Shiraz from 21 to 28 August, the whole of August has been dedicated to this sassy and spicy variety. Join Leopard’s Leap and experience Shiraz in a variety of delicious ways!
Shiraz is an excellent choice for Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly with rich, spiced meats. The wine’s bold fruit flavours and peppery notes perfectly complement the smokiness of charred kebabs and aromatic spices like cumin, cinnamon, and coriander. Pair your Leopard’s Leap Shiraz with richly spiced lamb, beef kofta or meaty tagines. For vegetarian dishes, a medium-bodied style like the Heritage blend with 66% Shiraz works well as it complements the earthy ingredients without overpowering them.
Join Leopard’s Leap in the Tasting Room to test Shiraz’s affinity to spice with a Shiraz & Samoosa pairing. Try the Classic Shiraz and Heritage Blend with two differently spiced samoosas – one hot and one not so hot, but fragrant. Available during August, from Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 -17:00. R180 per person.
Joining Leopard’s Leap for a winter-warming lunch on the sunny stoep? It is the ideal winter activity! Come for a delicious week-day lunch, socialise over small plates or enjoy the popular Weekend Rotisserie and Harvest Table lunches. Expect some Middle Eastern inspired dishes and enjoy them with a complimentary glass of Leopard’s Leap Shiraz during the Seven Days of Shiraz (21 – 28 August).