Leopard’s Leap Wines was honoured this week at the 2007 South African Airways (SAA) On Board Wine Listing Awards. Held at the prestigious Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West, the Leopard’s Leap 2007 Chenin Blanc was chosen from over a thousand other entries as one of only twenty-four white wines to be offered on SAA’s Business Class flights for the next year (2008).

SAA initially established these awards to increase awareness of South African wine brands. Having started 12 years ago, the Awards have grown to become one of the country’s most sought-after recognitions.

The judging process is stringent and takes place over three days. On the first day, the judges including both international and local wine critics, use the 100 point system by which to judge the many wines submitted. Thereafter independent auditors, Deloitte and Touche, compile the top scoring wines in each category which then go over to the second day of judging.

Eugene van Zyl, wine maker for Leopard’s Leap Wines, “This is a huge milestone for Leopard’s Leap. Initially we produced our wines for export and our growth internationally has been phenomenal. We are very proud to be associated with such an award and are positive that our wines will only go from strength to strength with such great local support as SAA”.

Described as having an abundance of fruit aromas this Chenin Blanc displays layers of ripe tropical fruit combined with a zesty freshness. Exceptionally versatile, it compliments soups, seafoods and white meats, as well as salads and after-dinner snacks such as olives and cheese or simply as the perfect accompaniment with the Business class meals served on SAA!

Another recent accolade was the inclusion in the highly anticipated annual book compiled by Matthew Jukes, the British equivalent of South Africa’s John Platter. Out of the 30 000 wines from around world that were tasted, only 250 of them made it onto the list, one of which, being the Leopard’s Leap Lookout White 2006.