25 Mar 2025
March is a month dedicated to honouring the incredible contributions of women throughout history and is therefore the perfect time to raise a glass to the remarkable
women who have shaped and are shaping the world of wine. From pioneering vintners to innovative sommeliers, women have played a pivotal role in transforming the wine industry into the vibrant and diverse landscape we enjoy today. In this edition, we’ll explore the wines of remarkable women who have made significant strides in the wine industry.
Debbie Lauritz
Debbie is the talented winemaker at Robert Oatley Vineyards. Her passion for winemaking was ignited during her time as an exchange student in France, where she fell in love with the art of viticulture.
This experience led her to pursue a career in winemaking, and she has since become a respected name in the field.
With a wealth of experience from working in various prestigious wine regions around the world, Debbie brings a unique perspective and expertise to her role at Oatley.
She has been working as a winemaker in NSW for the past decade and is particularly known for her skill in crafting wines from cool-climate regions, which require a delicate balance and a keen understanding of the terroir.
At Robert Oatley Vineyards, Debbie is dedicated to producing high-quality wines that reflect the character of the region.
Her innovative approach and commitment to sustainable practices, including organic and vegan-friendly wines, have set her apart as a leader in the industry.
This Moulin-à-Vent is rich and powerful, with elegant fruit, supple tannins, and a refreshing finish. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, fish, cheese, and vegetables. A particularly delightful pairing would be with a beef steak in black pepper sauce, where the wine’s robust flavours complement the savoury richness of the dish.
This wine will benefit from two to three years of aging to reach its full potential and can continue to age gracefully for several decades. Notable vintages such as 2009, 2005, 1999, 1985, and even 1976 are still drinking beautifully today.
Praisy Dlamini
Praisy Dlamini is the visionary managing director and winemaker at Amandla Wines. With a background in agriculture and as a graduate of the Cape Winemakers
Guild Protégé programme, Praisy has honed her expertise through firsthand experience and collaboration. Her dream of showcasing the skills, knowledge, and joyfulness of the women around her led to the creation of Amandla Wines, a winery that is not only black-run but also black-owned.
At Amandla, Praisy leads a dynamic team of professional women, all of whom are black, from the logistics manager to the stock controller. This talented group combines their diverse skill sets to run the winery, breaking down barriers in the South African and global wine industry. Her leadership at Amandla Wines continues to inspire and elevate the wine industry, showcasing the power of collaboration and the strength of women.
Amandla Signature Chenin Blanc 2024 (£13.99 Laithwaites)
This signature wine is crafted from grapes grown on the Glenrosa soils of Klipdrifskraal in the Western Cape. Amandla is a deliciously fruity, super-fresh Chenin Blanc which boasts vibrant yellow apple flavours, complemented by notes of quince and tropical aromas. The dry land conditions of the vineyard concentrate the fruit flavours, resulting in a wine that is both refreshing and complex. It can be enjoyed it on its own or paired with light salads, pasta dishes, or a cheese board.
Its name, which means ‘power within us,’ is fitting for this wine from an exciting all-black, all-female run winery in South Africa. This wine embodies energy and innovation, making it a delightful choice for any occasion.
Let’s raise a glass to the women who inspire us, and to the wines that bring their stories to life!
Before Australia she also worked in Alsace, Marlborough and Niagara in Canada.
Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (£14.99, available at Costco, Ocado, Majestic- £13.49 Mix Six)
The Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 offers a full-flavored yet finely structured experience.
This wine captivates with its rich notes of black berries, complemented by subtle hints of dried leaves and fine gravelly tannin, creating a harmonious and complex profile.
Hailing from the renowned Margaret River region, known for its reliability and excellence in viticulture, this Cabernet Sauvignon benefits from the ideal climate for Bordeaux varietals.
The region’s consistent weather patterns ensure that the grapes achieve optimal ripeness and flavour. The meticulous winemaking process involves fermenting the grapes and maturing them for 12 to 15 months in French oak barrels from various coopers. This aging process imparts a refined oak character, enhancing the wine’s depth and complexity.
This Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with grilled and roasted red meats. A beef steak with black pepper sauce is an excellent choice, as the robust flavours of the wine complement the savoury richness of the dish.
Julie Pitoiset
Julie is the accomplished director and winemaker at Château des Jacques. Her journey in winemaking is marked with a strong background in agronomy and oenology. She has honed her skills through hands-on experience in renowned wine regions and her expertise and innovative approach have positioned her as a leader in the field.
At Château des Jacques, located in the prestigious Moulin-à-Vent appellation, Julie oversees the production of exceptional Beaujolais wines. Her commitment to quality and her ability to balance tradition with modern techniques have earned her recognition and respect within the wine community.
Her leadership at Château des Jacques continues to elevate the estate’s reputation, showcasing the unique terroir and heritage of the region. Her contributions to the wine industry are truly inspiring, and her dedication to excellence serves as a beacon for aspiring winemakers.
Louis Jadot Château des Jacques Moulin-à-Vent 2021 (£19.25 Ocado)
The Louis Jadot Château des Jacques Moulin-à-Vent 2021 is a stellar example of what well-crafted Cru Beaujolais can offer.
This wine is rich and succulent, showcasing the depth and complexity of Gamay fruit. With its concentration and structure, it promises to develop beautifully in the bottle over time.
This wine is a blend from eight distinguished terroirs within the Moulin-à-Vent appellation: Rochegrès, Carquelin, Champ de Cour, Thorins les Vérillats, La Roche, La Rochelle, and Les Caves. The pink granite soils vary in depth and composition, contributing to the wine’ unique character and complexity.
The grapes for this wine are meticulously picked and sorted by hand. Depending on the vintage characteristics, the grapes are often de-stemmed and undergo a slow maceration over three to four weeks. Both pigeage (punching down the cap) and pumping over are employed during fermentation to extract the best flavours and aromas. The wine is then aged for 10 months in a combination of concrete tanks and oak barrels, with the oak sourced from the forests of Allier, Limousin, and Nivernais.
