Embrace the festive charm with j9Wine’s fruity sauvignon blanc or smooth merlot. CEO Janine Petersen, in Food For Mzansi’s Faces of Summer campaign, reveals why these wines are every young professional’s dream.
Unveil the magic of the festive season with a glass of fruity j9 Sauvignon Blanc or the well-rounded, smooth J9 Merlot crafted by Janine Petersen. As the CEO of j9Wine, Petersen insists her wines offer an indelible experience, perfect for young professionals seeking a sophisticated and playful sip.
Sourced from a selection of the top wine producers in the Western Cape, the wines in the j9Wine range are easy to drink and uncomplicated. They embody a taste profile true to the Stellenbosch and Wellington districts.
j9Wine, established in 2016 with Petersen’s life savings and funds from selling her car, is on track to becoming one of the world’s leading female-owned wine brands, Petersen believes.
“Our brand philosophy is straightforward. We produce wine that appeals to everyone. It caters to newcomers in the wine-drinking sphere, offering sophistication and playfulness, particularly aimed at young professionals or those looking to impress a partner,” she shares.
With a steadfast commitment to quality, consistency, and style, j9Wine prides itself on producing wines of exceptional quality and finesse.
“What sets us apart is our meticulous vine cultivation, ensuring superior wine quality. By straining the vines, we obtain smaller grapes, more concentrated, resulting in robust flavours of deep berries that exude elegance,” she explains.
From stress to success
Petersen transformed her passion for wine into establishing her iconic brand after resigning from an immensely stressful corporate job.
“My career was demanding. As a single mother of two, I felt trapped. I yearned for change as my career was draining me. I recall visiting the doctor and being diagnosed with mild depression,” she explains.
Today, she sources grapes from various coastal regions and collaborates with some of South Africa’s finest winemakers to create her wines.
Cheers to perfect blends
For Food For Mzansi’s popular 2023 Faces of Summer campaign, Petersen’s initial wine recommendation for this summer is her j9 Sauvignon Blanc 2023. Freshly bottled, the grapes hail from a warmer climate, promising a tropical delight.
“This crisp, fresh summer drink is perfect for daily enjoyment. It’s an uncomplicated sauvignon blanc that pairs flawlessly with everyday moments. Personally, with my sauvignon blanc, I adore it with calamari.”
On the nose, expect a fruity and fresh aroma with a delightful hint of sweetness. Flavours of granadilla and pear linger on the palate.
Her second pick is the j9 Merlot 2018. Sourced from Stellenbosch, the climate bestows the wine with a robust body and intense flavour. It embodies a smooth, well-balanced profile with abundant red fruit notes. The supple tannins enhance its appeal.
“These grapes are cultivated on our farm, a two-hectare merlot block. These bush vine blocks, around 20 years old, primarily contribute to this wine,” she says.
She emphasises that this merlot is an easy-drinking, everyday delight. It’s a blend with bold berry and plum notes, a flagship wine loved by clients.
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