We often say 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, we should also consider the middle of the spice world. Halfway between the spices of the Far East and the spices that made their way along the Spice Route around the Southern point of Africa, we have the Middle East and North Africa with their wonderful, aromatic spices.

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 our Heritage blend with 66% Shiraz works well as it complements the earthy ingredients without overpowering them.

As we are celebrating Seven Days of Shiraz from 21 to 28 August, we've decided to dedicate the whole of August to this sassy and spicy variety. Join us and experience Shiraz in one of these delicious ways:

• Buy any 6 bottles of Shiraz - the 2024 Leopard's Leap Classic Shiraz and / or the 2023 Heritage Blend and you pay 10% less. Available from our Tasting Room or online shop.
  
  
• Shake a Sassy & Spicy Shiraz wine cocktail. Try the Spicy Shiraz Surprise or Shiraz Jam Jar! 
  
  
• Join us in the Leopard's Leap Tasting Room to test Shiraz's affinity to spice with a Shiraz & Samoosa pairing. Try our Classic Shiraz and Heritage Blend with two differently spiced samoosas - one hot and one not so hot, but fragrant. R180 per person.
  
  
• Joining us for lunch? Enjoy some Middle Eastern inspired dishes at the harvest table and on the weekday menu and enjoy them with a complimentary glass of Leopard's Leap Shiraz during the Seven Days of Shiraz (21 – 28 August).
  
  
• Not making it to the Franschhoek Valley this winter? Here are a few Shiraz-friendly recipes to try at home. 
  
  
  • Middle Eastern Lamb casserole with fragrant spices, dried fruit & nuts.
  • Spicy Lamb with date chutney - served with roti or as samoosas!
  • Lamb Tagine with apricots and saffron