Grenache noir Leonara 2025 Aurelien Petit

The Grenache Noir Leonara 2025 by Aurélien Petit is a luminous, juicy and fresh red from South Africa, made by a French winemaker settled in the Swartland. Sourced from old bush vines grown without irrigation, it offers a pure and easy drinking Grenache, far removed from sun drenched, heavy reds. It is a wine made for pure enjoyment, both generous and remarkably fine.

Terroir and vineyards
The Swartland, north of Cape Town, has become over the past twenty years the most dynamic wine region in South Africa. Here, old bush vines grow without irrigation on soils of granite, schist and clay. These lean terroirs and the warm climate, softened by Atlantic breezes, yield concentrated grapes that nonetheless retain a lovely freshness. The harvest is picked by hand, and the winemaking proceeds with minimal intervention to let the fruit and the place speak.

Tasting profile
The colour is a clear, brilliant ruby. The nose opens on wild strawberry, raspberry and pomegranate, with notes of dried flowers, wild herbs and a peppery touch. The palate is fluid and crisp, carried by fine tannins and a bright freshness. The finish is clean and spicy. Drink now or over the next three to four years, lightly chilled.

The estate
Aurélien Petit is a French winemaker who settled in South Africa. There he works old vines in the Swartland with a deeply respectful approach, without superfluous inputs and with minimal intervention in the cellar. His cuvées, much sought after by independent merchants and sommeliers, reveal another facet of South African wine: pure, taut and lively wines, shaped by the eye of a French vigneron.

Food and wine pairing
Serve between 14 and 15 °C. It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, herb roasted chicken, a lamb tagine with gentle spices, skewers of grilled vegetables or a platter of charcuterie. It also goes very well with spicy cuisine or a sheep's milk cheese.