This International Women’s Day, Team WWX seeks to walk off the beaten path to feature this trailzblazing, award-winning lady winemaker Andrea Mullineux. Search her and you’d see a plethora of raving compliments about her: a trailblazer, a rockstar (quite literally, for she puts a lot of emphasis on terroir expression in her wines). And she and her husband are compared by some as the “Beyonce and Jay-Z” in South Africa wine scene.

Born and raised in California, Andrea Mullineux was surrounded by family members whom specialized in art and science. For her, she took the path that spun both streams together i.e. winemaking. Andrea Mullineux completed her viticulture and oenology degree from UC Davis, and found herself working harvests in Napa Valley, Chateauneuf du Pape and of course, unsurprisingly, Stellenbosch of South Africa. It is in South Africa where Andrea Mullineux, together with her husband Chris Mullineux, discovered and brought about the renaissance of great old vines from Swartland. Since 2007, she and her husband sought to bring spotlight over the terroir expressiveness of Syrah, and South Africa’s best known white grape Steen, or more internationally known as Chenin Blanc. Today we are pleased to showcase the full selection of recent and back vintages of Mullineux’s Single Terroir series Syrah and Chenin Blanc.

A bit more about Single Terroir Series and how they differ stylistically.

Schist Syrah is the most structured red from Mullineux – these vines are now gradually reaching greater maturity – as of this year they reach 23 years of age – and they provide structure, broad tannins and dark perfume. From schist soil, the Mullineuxs also raise a bush vine Chenin Blanc. Schist provides texture and a zesty finish to this Chenin.

Granite Syrah speaks freshness and perfume. The vines go even older than those on Schist soil – they were planted in the late 80s in the deep, decomposed granite soil in Paardeberg. If you are looking for an elegant, delicate Syrah, go Granite. Granite Chenin Blanc will appeal to all cool climate white drinkers. Planted at the highest altitude site owned by the Mullineuxs, Granite Chenin Blanc comes with great acidity, and a flinty, stony aromatic profile.

Finally, for those who are looking for exotic expressions, Iron Syrah gives complex floral nuances, incredible mid-palate weight, round tannins and a beautiful balance between Syrah’s fruit and meatiness. Quartz Chenin Blanc is raised from 35-year-old vines standing on a quartz kloof named Leliefontein. This is a great wine to try for those who want to get a taste of the quartz terroir. Leading critics benchmark Quartz Chenin Blanc against a Meursault 1er Cru Chardonnay – that’s enough said as to the quality and potential of this Mullineux bottling.