Leopard’s Leap Wines has just released the 2014 vintage of its popular Lookout Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz blend. This easy-drinking, well-rounded wine consists of 41% Cabernet Sauvignon providing structure and velvety chocolate undertones, 40% Shiraz contributing red berries and peppery spice and 19% Cinsaut ensuring juiciness and a general sense of well-being.

The ideal partner to an informal braai, comforting pasta or soup, this wine can easily be enjoyed on its own in front of the fire, or as the main ingredient in the traditional wintery wine cocktail, Glühwein, or Lookout Red Warmer as it is called at Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards.

Glühwein is synonymous with Christmas in Europe where its beautiful warm flavours of spice help to thaw the winter’s ice and snow. And although it might not be Christmas, the South African winter can definitely do with a warming winter drink. Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan, heat until it is almost boiling and then strain into a warm bowl. Serve warm in a pretty glass and decorate with cinnamon sticks and cinnamon sugar on the rim of the glass.

Ingredients        

• 750 ml Leopard’s Leap Lookout Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz
• 75 ml of sugar
• 50 ml of lemon juice
• 150 ml of orange juice
• Cinnamon stick
• 6 – 8 cloves
• Cinnamon sugar and cinnamon sticks for decorating

Method

Pour all ingredients into a saucepan. Heat mixture until nearly boiling, then strain into a warm bowl.

Serving

Warm, in a wine glass.