For many oenophiles around the world, South Africa has always been a bit of a mystery. After many years under the shadow of classic winelands of Italy, Spain, Portugal and Chile, the Rainbow nation has slowly and surely made its way as a frontrunner in its own right. The Western Cape has long been a favorite amongst newlyweds and to-be-married couples looking for an outdoorsy adventurous ceremony, but the wine tourism of South Africa has been on an all-time high, with luxury estates now offering opulent accommodations, fine fining and gourmet grape pairings and extensive tastings.
Just a half an hour drive outside Cape Town, set in the vibrant Franschhoek valley across a staggering 168 acres of vineyards, is a wine-lovers dream retreat- The Leeu Collection. The 17-room country house, founded by New Delhi based billionaire Analjit Singh, is a stately sanctuary for a destination wedding and honeymoon for connoisseurs. The coveted Mullineux & Leeu Family vineyard produce hand-crafted vino from the granite-, schist-, quartz-, and iron-based soils of the Swartland region. It is no surprise, thus, that the boutique hotel has won many accolades for its extensive grape offerings including 18 five-star ratings from Platter’s South African Wine Guide and the Winery of the Year award two years in a row.
We approach the expert Sommelier of The Leeu Collection’s Manor House, Anton Visser, to share with us, his wisdom on curating a top-quality wine list for your big day. Read on to find out more…
Tell us about the uniqueness of the grape of your region compared to the world.
It is difficult to compare Franschhoek with the rest of the world as the wine industry is so diverse here, winemakers here aren’t bound by strict legislation dictating which drink they are allowed to make. This allows for greater experimentation and a large selection of different vino being produced, from elegant Cap Classiques to full-bodied reds.
Which vineyard in your region is most groundbreaking right now? And how?
There are so many vineyards in the area experimenting with different varietals and styles it difficult to narrow it down to just one or two. La Couronne has been working on a Petit Verdot with a Franschhoek W.O, it is still in the barrel but absolutely beautiful. Also Haute Espoir which is one of the few wine-estates in the area that vintages from 2006 to current available on sale.
What would be your top recommendations for a couple planning a small sized elite wedding at your property?
MCC ( Morena Cap Classiques) – Definitely the Graham Beck Cuvee Clive 2009. It spends 7 years on the less in the bottle, allowing for ample brioche flavors to show, reminds me of a vintage French bubbly. For Rosè MCC the Morena Brut NV is also a great choice with lovely fresh strawberries and cream, perfect for a wedding outside in the summer
What is your process for grape and bubbly selection for an event?
Everyone has different preferences and this can make choosing wines for an event such as a wedding quite intimidating for the couple. I usually find out the couples’ preference and budget. I then usually source from the surrounding area and try and find the MCC that best suites’ their taste. For still vino it is quite challenging as you have to take the menu in account, time of year etc. Once I have all the information and have sourced the wines, it is down to a menu and wine tasting with the couple to show them the final choices before the wedding.
Tell us about your favorite food pairing with grape beverages.
I love experimenting with food and vino, thus my favorite changes on a weekly basis. One that I always favor is Pepper Crusted Springbok Loin, with rosemary paired with a Boekenhoutskloof Syrah 2009.
Is there one mistake that most couples always make when choosing their wedding bar list?
The most common mistake I see is that a lot of couples just see the wine as an afterthought and don’t put a lot of time into sourcing wines that will enhance their special day. The second most common mistake is that they try to choose such a wide range of different wines to cater to all the guests that it gets to confusing and expensive. Carefully chosen whites and reds can cater for a whole range of palates ensuring everyone has something to enjoy.
Any final parting words of bridal wisdom?
I am not that good with bridal wisdom but the following quote from Paulo Coelho immediately came to mind.
“Accept what life offers you and try to drink from every cup. All wines should be tasted; some should only be sipped, but with others, the whole bottle.”
