Leeuwenkuil Méthode Ancestrale Rose

The name Leeuwenkuil, or ‘Lion’s Lair’, was a tribute to the ferocious Cape Lion (now extinct). Watering holes in the area were then frequented by these lions, which posed a great threat to local cattle farmers. Originally, in 1693, Leeuwenkuil was known as Schinderkuijl. This German name refers to the tradition of gathering materials from demolished buildings or shipwrecks to create something entirely new – as happened on the farm. In 1800, following its subdivision, the farm’s name was changed to Leeuwenkuil and in 1851 the Dreyer family became the new owners. Willie and Emma Dreyer are the current owners and Willie and his hard-working team have together built Leeuwenkuil into what it is today – 1250 hectares – the biggest vineyard owner in the Cape Coastal area.

Méthode Ancestrale production is the oldest way of making sparkling wine, where a second fermentation is not facilitated by sugar and yeast as in MCC. Legend has it that this naturally classic approach to creating sparkling wine was developed by French monks in the 1500s to produce celebratory wine for their monasteries. Cherishing tradition, the Dreyer family keep the romance alive by crafting their own Méthode Ancestrale just as the monks did.