In August, we celebrate Women’s Month, and shine a light on the female tastemakers behind some of the finest wines and spirits. Wine and Liquor Specialist at TOPS Lifestyle, Valencia Magwaza, shares her recommendation of exceptional products produced by women: a smooth Cognac, a floral gin and a crisp, flavourful wine.
Inverroche Distillery
As the pioneers of South African craft gin, Inverroche Distillery in Stillbaai was founded by Lorna Scott and her family. Few gins around the world are made with such unique ingredients, depth of flavour and uncompromising commitment to sustainability. The Cape Floral Kingdom is one of only six such biomes in the world. It is the smallest, but also the richest and most abundant with more species of plant being found on the slopes of Table Mountain than in all of Great Britain! It is these plants, known as fynbos, that are used to give Inverroche gins their unique character and flavour.
Wolf & Woman Rosé
Jolandie Fouché’s approach to wine making is fresh
and immediately instils confidence, with her
determination to produce wine that reflects her
Swartland origins in a style “that I like to drink myself”.
She has people lining up for both her Chenin Blanc and
this elegant Grenache Noir rosé. Inspiration for the name came from poet Clarissa Pinkola Estés: “Sometimes I am more wolf than woman, and I’m still learning how to stop apologising for my wild”. Provençal in style with a Swartland edge, this rosé has fresh subtle fruit flavours like pomegranate, honeydew melon and berries with a mineral core.
Crisp and endlessly flavoursome. Pairs well with light
summer salads, sushi and grilled calamari.
Meukow Cognac
Suppleness, power and elegance are the results of a sophisticated Cognac blend produced by Cellar Master, Anne Sarteaux, one of the very few female Cellar Masters in the Cognac world. To guarantee the Meukow style, Anne mainly uses Cognacs from Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne for the richness and complexity of their floral notes, as well as Fins Bois, Bons Bois and Borderies for their fruity aromas and woody touches that bring a perfect balance to the blend.
