JEN PFEIFFER IS FORTIFYING EXCELLENCE IN AUSTRALIAN WINEMAKING F or winemaker Jen Pfeiffer, making wine is part of her roots. Her father, Chris Pfeiffer, had been a respected winemaker for years. In 1984, he and his wife decided to start their own winery near Victoria, Australia, referred to as the “Old Distillery” in the iconic region of Rutherglen.
Jen Pfeiffer recalls learning at the feet of both parents. “Mom was in the cellar door and dad was in the vineyard," she says. "It was an immersive education."
Jen Pfeiffer recalls learning at the feet of both parents. “Mom was in the cellar door and dad was in the vineyard," she says. "It was an immersive education." This instilled deep knowledge of all facets of the business. But the process of winemaking grew to be her passion. For a brief time, Pfeiffer stepped away to seek a degree in science and law. Soon thereafter, the lure of the vineyard called her back. It shouldn’t be a huge surprise that Pfeiffer decided to go full-time into the family business. And when Pfeiffer was tasked by her father to make their Shiraz, it was an honour for her. She said, “All right, this is my wine.” She embraced a lighter style unlike the “big Barossa style” typical to Australian Shiraz. In some ways it was a gamble. Australia’s Shiraz is an iconic grape in the country. Getting it right was a challenge. But Pfeiffer made the wine she loves to drink. And it paid off. This first vintage of 2000 Pfeiffer Shiraz won the gold medal. She still sees it as one of her “signature wines.” Good winemakers are lifelong learners and Pfeiffer is no exception to that rule. In 2005 she worked a vintage with the Saint-Charles family from the Chateau du Bluizard and Domaine de Conroy. She was tasked with producing wines at Domaine de Conroy (Côte de Brouilly).
SAVOUR MANITOBA | SPRING/SUMMER 25 13
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