PFEIFFER WINES cont.
She embraced traditional French techniques — including treading by foot, a technique known as pigeage. The winery uses this method on her Gamays and select other wines. Pfeiffer feels that this method extracts fruit better and promotes “aromatics.” And you get structure and tannins from stalks when you don’t destem. This method isn’t easy; it’s hard work. “And the stain can last a week — the hands are worse”, she muses. While her stint in France embracing traditional methods was a pleasure for Pfeiffer, her time in Portugal cemented her love of port. Working at Taylor Fladgate’s Croft property in the Douro Valley excited her future dream to one day own a small Douro vineyard and make her own port. Pfeiffer made this dream a reality in her own way. In 2008, she made Australia’s first rose liqueur called Seriously Pink. She returned in 2014 and released a Reserve Ruby Port under her own label called Rock It Like a Redhead. Pfeiffer lives in Australia’s Rutherglen region, where fortified is celebrated, so it should not be a surprise that she’s passionate about fortified wines. She loves the idea of “protecting old vines and not being slave to wine fashion.” The Pfeiffer team has built a line of luscious wines. Rutherglen Topaque is their flagship brand. Hints of apricot make it a lovely choice for aperitifs, dessert wine and cheese courses. While tradition intrigues her, Pfeiffer is keeping her eye on the future.
* Winopedia
The Australian wine world has embraced her vision. She has won countless awards, such as the Wine Society’s Young Winemaker of the Year Sommelier’s Choice awards, as well as more than 1,200 medals and 70 trophies for Pfeiffer wines. Her trusted experience and palate have earned her a spot judging on the competitive Australian wine show circuit. When you meet her, however, what stands out most is how down to earth she is. Unlike some in the wine world who make beautiful award-winning wines, Pfeiffer is approachable and deeply committed to her craft. She could talk about the sugar levels of her fortifieds with highly knowledgeable folks or the “wine stains on her legs” with those just beginning to seek wine knowledge. Tied deeply to her family and the sacrifices they made to create the winery, Pfeiffer stands firmly to continue the winemaking tradition her father started. Under Pfeiffer’s guidance, the future has been fortified. She has won countless awards, such as the Wine Society’s Young Winemaker of the Year Sommelier’s Choice awards, as well as more than 1,200 medals and 70 trophies for Pfeiffer wines.
SHIRAZ OR SYRAH: Shiraz is the Australian term for the grape Syrah. When the grape is referred to as Shiraz or Syrah in other parts of the world, some sommeliers suggest this will tell you the style of the wine — with Syrah being less bold than a typical Shiraz.
FRANCE
France’s Rhone Valley is well-known for growing Syrah grapes.
14 SAVOUR MANITOBA | SPRING/SUMMER 25
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