If you’re drinking a glass of Three Quarters Wines, you’re savouring a wine rich in heritage and personal triumph. Its owner, Mahalia Kotjane, reminds us to break free from societal expectations and norms and to follow our interests, even if they are unconventional or unexpected.
Mahalia Kotjane’s journey into the world of winemaking was as surprising as it was inspiring. Growing up in the township of Vosloorus, nestled in Johannesburg’s East Rand, she never saw any vineyards or wineries. So when she developed a sudden interest in microorganisms and fermentation, it caught her nearest and dearest off guard.
Today, she is the proud co-founder and winemaker at Three Quarters Wines, a reflection of Kotjane’s personal journey and heritage. The name itself is a tribute to her unique birth order – the third pregnancy but the fourth child due to her elder siblings being twins.
“I’m from a Christian background and my parents were very strict, not allowing us to drink any wine,” she tells Food For Mzansi.
However, when a school project on microorganisms was assigned in year nine, there was no stopping young Kotjane. Soon, she was in her mother’s kitchen experimenting with fermenting table grapes she had bought from a local supermarket.
“I was so surprised when the wine started fermenting,” she says. “That’s how my interest grew in the world of winemaking.”
‘Not what I imagined’
Convincing her parents, especially her reluctant mother, Kotjane pursued her newfound interest at the Elsenburg Agricultural College in Stellenbosch.
There was one problem, however. All her life, Kotjane had imagined winemaking to be a glamorous life like the ones shown on Top Billing, but she quickly learnt that working on a farm was tough and demanding.
“When I arrived at Elsenburg, it was just a farm. I thought, ‘No, this isn’t what I had imagined at all,’” Kotjane laughed.
Nonetheless, she thrived in her studies, earning a diploma in viticulture and oenology and later participating in the prestigious Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Programme. This mentorship provided her with invaluable experience with top South African winemakers and an international stint in Burgundy, France.
“I grew up with three elder brothers, so hard work was never far from me,” she explains. This tenacity served her well in the demanding environment of winemaking, a field where passion and perseverance are essential.
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Creating wines with character
Kotjane has a minimalist approach to her winemaking, which she says ensures that the wines speak of their unique terroir.
“I want my wines to be authentic, to reflect where they come from,” she explains. For her, winemaking is not just a profession but a labour of love. “It’s about creating wines that show character and reflect their heritage.”
Each bottle from Three Quarters Wines tells a story of the land, the climate, and the meticulous care that goes into its creation.
Her first choice of winter wine is a TQ Three Quarters red blend.
“This Rhône-inspired red blend showcases the classic Mediterranean varieties of syrah, grenache, and cinsault. It is made to be both timeless and approachable. This wine combines the fruitiness and softness of grenache, the elegance and floral notes of cinsault, and the boldness and spice of syrah, resulting in a versatile and enjoyable wine that can be enjoyed on its own or can be paired with a variety of foods from grilled meats to hearty stews and cheese boards,” she says.
Her second choice is the Three Quarters Syrah.
“I love that this wine is not overly high in alcohol. Its elegance lies in its restraint – like an iron fist in a velvet glove. It’s not an overly extracted, heavy wine, but rather one that is versatile and perfect for enjoying with friends and family. Whether paired with a cheese platter or a meal, this wine is approachable and unpretentious, making it an ideal choice for any occasion,” she says.
The wine offers bright red fruit notes like strawberries and cherries, with a hint of spice and a seamless, elegant palate. It is a wine that does not try too hard yet delivers a cohesive and memorable experience.
In the meantime, Kotjane says she wants to develop more complex flavours over time. “I think you’ll get more spice, olive tapenade, and mushroom profiles as the wine ages,” she shares.
If you’d like to get your hands on one of her wines, place an order at info@threequarters.co.za.
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