A Red Hot Summer
Whether you love all the romance of Valentine's Day or think it is a money making mission, we'll give you a reason to celebrate a RED Hot February!
Yes, we go all RED this year because we think RED is good for you!
Even when down or sick, women often admit that a smear of red lipstick does wonders as a pick me up. But the powers of the colour red are much more than a superficial touch of vanity. The colour red sympolises energy and power. An important colour in branding and symbolism, red is strongly represented in various cultures and is often associated with good luck, joy, life, energy, and creativity. Red encourages action and confidence and provides a sense of protection. (Read more).
But when it comes to what we eat and drink, there is no debating that red is good for body as well as mind and soul. Phytonutrients and antioxidants like lycopene and anthocyanin responsible for the colour red in fruit and vegetables, have health benefits that can play a role in reducing the risk for diabetes, osteoporosis, and high cholesterol. They help with the prevention of cancer, strengthen the immunity, protect the liver and reduce blood pressure and inflammation. What better reason to add ingredients such as tomatoes, capsicums, peppers, beetroot, apples, strawberry, watermelon, cherries, raspberries, chillies and pomegranate to your diet?!
And then of course there is red wine. According to Scientific researchers at Washington University in St Louis, Missouri, “The contributing component of red wine is believed to be resveratrol, an antioxidant also found in red grapes, blueberries and cocoa. Resveratrol works by suppressing molecules which cause inflammation as well as compounds in the blood which interfere with the production of insulin, and could also contribute to long life.” (Read more)
RED wine
"Red wine always has a place at the table! Even when the mercury rises!", says Top Wine SA's Mike Froud. Read more.
While our Northern hemisphere friends might prefer a mellow glass of red wine to make winter bearable, in the Southern hemisphere, summers are hot and we usually prefer refreshing white wines such as fruity Chenins or crispy Sauvignon Blancs. But, bar those mad 40-something-degree days there is a wonderful way to enjoy red wine in summer. Good news for those of us who prefer red over white, but also great news for anyone who like to try something different.
Winemaker Renier van Deventer says you should forget about the temperature of the day and focus on the temperature of the wine. Lightbulb moment!!
If you believe in serving wine at room temperature, you have a big problem! This tradition refers to Europe where temperatures used to be much milder and wines were probably even kept in a cellar. Red wine is generally at its best between 12° and 18°C, so imagine how far from that you'll be when you open a bottle on an average February day in the Cape Winelands! Pop your red wine in the fridge for 30 minutes and you'll have a lovely experience.
But... it's not all about temperature. It's also about style. The weight of the wine, so to speak. Some reds are better than others for this summertime job and they should usually be served slightly chilled. Lighter styles are the way to go. Our ultimate favourite is our Culinaria Pinot Noir. Even its colour tells you it is ready for summer. A delicate red like a summer's dress, it makes for a beautiful and food-friendly option - sometimes even lighter than some heavier styles of white wine! Leopard's Leap Merlot is also a good option as its mellow smoothness is quite accommodating to some chill - almost like ice cream... There are many others, Granache, Cinsaut, Mourvedre... but you can also use the serious reds like Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon on a hot day - especially if you mix them into one of our irresistible wine cocktails... Just click here for some RED hot wine cocktail recipes!
And remember:
Pay 10% less when you buy any 6 bottles of RED wine from our Leopard’s Leap Classic Collection or Natura De-alc Red. Available from our tasting room or leopardsleap.co.za during February. Also keep in mind that our annual price increase happens on 1 March, so do make the most of February!
RED meat
Summer is no stranger to red meat because we like to braai! Who doesn't love the smell of lamb chops - even if it is from the neighbour's fire! And we all love steak and salad when we are on a diet and when our budgets allow. Even stews are on the menu in summer if they are cooked outside in a potjie. How about some stir-fry strips for the least possible time in front of a hot stove? And of course we braai boerewors and sausages at any opportunity. You put them on a bun or dip them in a sauce and jump in the pool!
Click here for some of our RED meat recipes:
RED fruit & veg
What is the first red veg that comes to mind? Tomato of course! Summer is THE time for tomatoes. They are in season in South Africa and we are spoiled for choice when it comes to shapes and colours that now taste wonderfully sweet and tomatoey! Then there are red peppers, chillies, beetroot, red cabbage, strawberries, raspberries, crispy red apples, grapes, watermelon ...
Click here for some of our RED recipes for salads and sides:
Tomato Consommé with sundried tomato and feta pate
Tomato and Buffalo Mozzarella Tart
Roast tomato, prawn and lemon thyme soup
RED sweets
Yes, there is red velvet cake, but try being a little more creative. How about sweets that taste red rather than look red? Yes, Chef Christiaan has recipes for that too!
Click here for the most delicious RED treats and desserts:
Rooibos, watermelon and strawberry sorbet
Spice fig and dark chocolate florentines
RED cocktails
Oh how we love these! They can be sophisticated or fun, with red wine's complexity and spice contributing a wonderful extra dimension to your drink. A RED hot wine cocktail is really just what you need for a good time, regardless of whether it's a shared or solo drink.
Just click here for some RED hot wine cocktail recipes!
Whether you love all the romance of Valentine's Day or think it is a money making mission, we'll give you a reason to celebrate a RED Hot February!
Yes, we go all RED this year because we think RED is good for you!
Even when down or sick, women often admit that a smear of red lipstick does wonders as a pick me up. But the powers of the colour red are much more than a superficial touch of vanity. The colour red sympolises energy and power. An important colour in branding and symbolism, red is strongly represented in various cultures and is often associated with good luck, joy, life, energy, and creativity. Red encourages action and confidence and provides a sense of protection. (Read more).
But when it comes to what we eat and drink, there is no debating that red is good for body as well as mind and soul. Phytonutrients and antioxidants like lycopene and anthocyanin responsible for the colour red in fruit and vegetables, have health benefits that can play a role in reducing the risk for diabetes, osteoporosis, and high cholesterol. They help with the prevention of cancer, strengthen the immunity, protect the liver and reduce blood pressure and inflammation. What better reason to add ingredients such as tomatoes, capsicums, peppers, beetroot, apples, strawberry, watermelon, cherries, raspberries, chillies and pomegranate to your diet?!
And then of course there is red wine. According to Scientific researchers at Washington University in St Louis, Missouri, “The contributing component of red wine is believed to be resveratrol, an antioxidant also found in red grapes, blueberries and cocoa. Resveratrol works by suppressing molecules which cause inflammation as well as compounds in the blood which interfere with the production of insulin, and could also contribute to long life.” (Read more)
RED wine
"Red wine always has a place at the table! Even when the mercury rises!", says Top Wine SA's Mike Froud. Read more.
While our Northern hemisphere friends might prefer a mellow glass of red wine to make winter bearable, in the Southern hemisphere, summers are hot and we usually prefer refreshing white wines such as fruity Chenins or crispy Sauvignon Blancs. But, bar those mad 40-something-degree days there is a wonderful way to enjoy red wine in summer. Good news for those of us who prefer red over white, but also great news for anyone who like to try something different.
Winemaker Renier van Deventer says you should forget about the temperature of the day and focus on the temperature of the wine. Lightbulb moment!!
If you believe in serving wine at room temperature, you have a big problem! This tradition refers to Europe where temperatures used to be much milder and wines were probably even kept in a cellar. Red wine is generally at its best between 12° and 18°C, so imagine how far from that you'll be when you open a bottle on an average February day in the Cape Winelands! Pop your red wine in the fridge for 30 minutes and you'll have a lovely experience.
But... it's not all about temperature. It's also about style. The weight of the wine, so to speak. Some reds are better than others for this summertime job and they should usually be served slightly chilled. Lighter styles are the way to go. Our ultimate favourite is our Culinaria Pinot Noir. Even its colour tells you it is ready for summer. A delicate red like a summer's dress, it makes for a beautiful and food-friendly option - sometimes even lighter than some heavier styles of white wine! Leopard's Leap Merlot is also a good option as its mellow smoothness is quite accommodating to some chill - almost like ice cream... There are many others, Granache, Cinsaut, Mourvedre... but you can also use the serious reds like Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon on a hot day - especially if you mix them into one of our irresistible wine cocktails... Just click here for some RED hot wine cocktail recipes!
And remember:
Pay 10% less when you buy any 6 bottles of RED wine from our Leopard’s Leap Classic Collection or Natura De-alc Red. Available from our tasting room or leopardsleap.co.za during February. Also keep in mind that our annual price increase happens on 1 March, so do make the most of February!
RED meat
Summer is no stranger to red meat because we like to braai! Who doesn't love the smell of lamb chops - even if it is from the neighbour's fire! And we all love steak and salad when we are on a diet and when our budgets allow. Even stews are on the menu in summer if they are cooked outside in a potjie. How about some stir-fry strips for the least possible time in front of a hot stove? And of course we braai boerewors and sausages at any opportunity. You put them on a bun or dip them in a sauce and jump in the pool!
Click here for some of our RED meat recipes:
RED fruit & veg
What is the first red veg that comes to mind? Tomato of course! Summer is THE time for tomatoes. They are in season in South Africa and we are spoiled for choice when it comes to shapes and colours that now taste wonderfully sweet and tomatoey! Then there are red peppers, chillies, beetroot, red cabbage, strawberries, raspberries, crispy red apples, grapes, watermelon ...
Click here for some of our RED recipes for salads and sides:
Tomato Consommé with sundried tomato and feta pate
Tomato and Buffalo Mozzarella Tart
Roast tomato, prawn and lemon thyme soup
RED sweets
Yes, there is red velvet cake, but try being a little more creative. How about sweets that taste red rather than look red? Yes, Chef Christiaan has recipes for that too!
Click here for the most delicious RED treats and desserts:
Rooibos, watermelon and strawberry sorbet
Spice fig and dark chocolate florentines
RED cocktails
Oh how we love these! They can be sophisticated or fun, with red wine's complexity and spice contributing a wonderful extra dimension to your drink. A RED hot wine cocktail is really just what you need for a good time, regardless of whether it's a shared or solo drink.
Just click here for some RED hot wine cocktail recipes!
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