AIthough the role that women play in agriculture (and in the world as a whole) remains entirely underestimated, the Champagne and Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) industry might not be the global powerhouse it is today without Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin. Born in Reims, France, in 1977, Ponsardin become known as the Widow Clicquot at 27 when she continued her late husband's business.
Not only is she credited with changing the industry by solving one of its greatest problems - how to successfully remove the yeasty sedimentation from the bottle after fermentation - but also for the remuage or riddling system that began in her kitchen when she made a series of riddled holes in her timber kitchen table. She placed wine bottles neck-down in the holes and periodically turned them until the sediment collected in the neck.
"After chilling and removing the cap, the pressure in the bottle, greater than in the tyres of your car, pops out the dead yeast cells called lees in the disgorging process, leaving only a clear liquid in the bottle," says Melissa Genevieve Nelsen, founder of Genevieve MCC (Méthode Cap Classique), produced on Klein Botrivier Farm, while speaking to Farmer's Weekly about inspirational women in her life. She talks about her mother's response when young Nelsen was asked what she wanted to do with her life and proffered "being an air hostess" as a possibility. Her mother said: "If you want to fly, why not be the pilot?"
Nelsen, who later qualified as a pilot, says: "I learnt the importance of precision from being a pilot and how to calculate the fine line between stupidity and bravery.I'm also not apprehensive about what is unknown, which has been beneficial."
FAMILY INSPIRATION
Denne historien er fra August 09, 2024-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra August 09, 2024-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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More funding needed to flood-proof Olifants River
Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Dr Ivan Meyer recently handed over R14,98 million to the Citrusdal Water Users’ Association.
Zambia, Burundi agree to maximise agri potential
In a bid to capitalise on the livestock and arable land in Zambia and Burundi, the two countries have agreed in principle to review the existing bilateral trade agreement in agricultural products under memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and to bolster foreign exchange earnings.
Expanded market brings avocado season success
The South African avocado industry is making headway in India after gaining market access earlier this year. Supported by the World Avocado Organization (WAO), consumers and food businesses in India are being educated about the health benefits of regular avocado consumption and how best to use this fruit in Indian cuisine.
Plan needed to enhance competitiveness of SA's deciduous fruit canning industry
Dr Heinrich Jantjies, group risk, safety and security director at Tiger Brands, says the deciduous fruit canning industry has been on a decline in South Africa since 2016. He suggests implementing a Deciduous Fruit Canning Industry Recovery and Competitive Plan to turn the industry around.
Kruger's memory lingers in his Boekenhoutfontein farmhouses
Lucille Davie visits Kedar Heritage Lodge in North West to see the farmhouses Paul Kruger owned.
From street art to feats of engineering, Bristol has it all
Brian Berkman visits the vibrant UK port city of Bristol and says two days are not enough to explore renowned graffiti artist Banksy's hometown and pop in at all the historical taverns.
Managing broodmares and foals profitably and safely
Broodmares and their foals are at high risk of stress, diseases and injuries if their management is suboptimal, says Dr Mac.
Double cab's leisure features find favour
The GWM P500 2.0T HEV 4x4 Super Luxury AT has launched in South Africa, and the bakkie takes aim at the more premium, leisure-focused offerings from rival brands. Car Magazine's Marius Boonzaier writes.
More fungal diseases that can infect beans
Bill Kerr explains the symptoms of angular leaf spot and anthracnose and how to avoid infection in your fields.
Keeping invasive insects at bay
Featuring an array of delicious fruit from peaches to cherries, stone fruit is attractive to a variety of bugs that can be effectively controlled with integrated pest management, writes Zunel van Eeden.
