Simonsig.

Quoted in full from the online article.

These wonderful wines in our shop.

SA WOMAN WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR 2005.

Debbie Burden might be blond and strikingly beautiful but there is nothing lightweight about this effervescent Simonsig winemaker. Her strong practical streak and winemaking philosophy of keeping things simple and true to their origin assisted her in winning the title of South Africa's Woman Winemaker of the Year 2005.

"One should not mess too much with what Mother Nature has in mind," says Debbie who impressed the judging panel of connoisseurs and female pioneers of the wine industry with her Simonsig Redhill Pinotage 2003.

Unperturbed that the wine industry may still be a fairly chauvinistic playground, Debbie embraces in true feisty form her all-male working environment as a neutral platform where only nature, hard work and perseverance have an influence on the quality of the wine.

"Albeit a feminine rosé or a more muscular Shiraz, the quality of the wine should not be overshadowed by its craftsman. Wine lovers should buy wines that suit their specific tastes, and for this reason only. Fortunately Simonsig appeals to the connoisseur and novice alike with a wide range of formidable red and white wines to suit every palate," said Debbie who has been with the legendary Malan family since 1999.

After qualifying with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSc Agric) specialising in Oenology from the University of Stellenbosch, she cut her winemaking teeth at Hazendal Estate (1999 harvest) before joining Simonsig, where she works in close partnership with acclaimed winemaker Johan Malan.

"A combination of destiny and good judgement brought me to the wine business and ultimately to Simonsig. For me winemaking is not a job, but simply a passion put into practice," she added.

A talented winemaker in her own right, Debbie has a clear idea about the wine that she likes to produce and the wine she prefers to enjoy.

"My favourite drinking wine is Shiraz, no wonder I'm so happy where I am at the moment," says Debbie, who along with her Simonsig peers (Chief Winemaker/ Owner Johan Malan) received top honours for the Merindol Syrah 2001, crowned South Africa's top Shiraz at the inaugural WINE Magazine TOPS at SPAR Shiraz Challenge 2004.

The wine she most enjoys making is Simonsig's notable Cape Blend, Frans Malan Reserve, for its challenging and unpredictable nature and the adrenaline rush it evokes when it comes down to the blending of the different cultivars. "It's like trying your culinary hand at a new gourmet dish. You have all the ingredients, you know the basic guidelines but the proof lies in the final result. One of the greatest rewards in my profession is when that recipe turns out to be a masterpiece," she explained.

She also believes that winemaking is all about balance - having the right amount of skin contact during fermentation to extract flavour and colour without getting too much tannin; leaving the wine to age in barrels for the optimal length of time to soften the tannins and adding the flavour of oak without overpowering the delicate flavours of the fruit.

Debbie is certainly no material girl and finds her role models in those legends of the wine industry who, although they continually harvest numerous prestigious awards don't take themselves too seriously and most importantly, wine lovers who treasure the actual pleasures of wine drinking.

The Woman Winemaker of the Year Award aims to raise awareness for the new generation of young, upcoming but unsung female winemakers, giving them confidence to assume a more visible role outside the confines of the cellar.

This year 26 winemakers entered this competition with a shortlist of six semi-finalists.

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