Winemakers On Fire, Issue #76

Greetings from Cape Town, South Africa!

After a successful rugby career playing professionally in South Africa and France, Burton Francis found a new passion in winemaking, deepening his knowledge with an MBA from the Burgundy School of Business, where he immersed himself in local winemaking culture. In this exclusive interview, Burton discusses his life's journey from his upbringing in Paarl, his rise to rugby fame, and how his love of the craft of winemaking inspired him to become a wine entrepreneur.

Nestled in the sun-drenched hills of Kratovo, North Macedonia, Monteko Winery is redefining premium wine-making. Their flagship reds, Nero and Filip, aren't just wines—they're liquid poetry, bottled with passion and precision.

But Monteko's artistry doesn't stop at the cork. Renowned designer Jordan Jelev, "The Labelmaker," has crafted labels that are a feast for the senses. Picture soft-touch black paper adorned with intricate, debossed patterns and a stunning 3D-embossed key that's more art than packaging.

Join us as we uncork the story behind Monteko's wines, where every sip and every glance promises a journey through tradition, innovation, and uncompromising quality.

Let’s dive in!

Over the last few weeks, we’ve been exploring some exciting ideas and concepts around the future of wine and the technology that’s driving innovation in the industry. I’m pleased to announce that we’ve now consolidated these ideas into a dedicated platform: the Terroir 2.0 website.

The Terroir 2.0 website is not just a place to learn about our approach but also a growing hub of resources, conversations, and insights about the fusion of wine and technology. I invite you to visit the site, explore its contents, and join us in this exciting journey.

Visit the Terroir 2.0 website to download our FREE Terroir 2.0 worksheet and uncork your full potential.

From the Rugby Pitch to the Vineyard: The Inspiring Journey of South African Wine Entrepreneur Burton Francis

From the rugby pitches of South Africa to the vine-covered slopes of Burgundy, Burton Francis has navigated an inspiring journey to become an acclaimed wine entrepreneur. After a successful career playing rugby professionally in South Africa and France, Burton found a new passion in the art of winemaking. He deepened his knowledge by obtaining an MBA in Wine & Spirits Business from the prestigious Burgundy School of Business, immersing himself in the culture and winemaking philosophies of the region. 

Now back in his native South Africa, Burton has collaborated with rockstar winemaker Kevin Grant to launch his own brand, Francis Wines, in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge wine region. Here, with Grant as his mentor, he is striving to produce wines that capture the elegance, finesse, and complexity he came to appreciate in Burgundy. Respecting the concept of 'climats'—the impact of terroir on shaping a wine's identity—is core to his vision.

In this exclusive interview, Burton discusses his incredible personal journey from his upbringing in Paarl to his rise to fame as a professional rugby player and success as a wine entrepreneur. He shares insights into his winemaking philosophies, his respect for Burgundian traditions, and his ultimate vision for Francis Wines. Join us as we explore the soils, soul, and spirit behind a promising new voice in South African wine.

Rugby Roots to Burgundian Dreams

Imagine swapping a rugby ball for a wine glass. That's exactly what Burton Francis did, and what a journey it's been! Growing up in Paarl, South Africa, Burton first made his mark on the rugby field. Little did he know that those sweaty training sessions were teaching him more than just how to score tries—they were prepping him for a whole new ball game in the world of wine.

Burton's leap from rugby to wine wasn't just a career change; it was like falling head over heels in love. Picture this: Burton in Burgundy, France, surrounded by rolling vineyards, sipping on exquisite wines, and thinking, "Yep, this is it." That's when the wine bug bit him, and it bit hard.

The Burgundy School of Business: A Turning Point

Now, Burton didn't just dive into winemaking willy-nilly. He went back to school—the Burgundy School of Business, no less. Talk about a 180-degree turn from rugby player to wine student!

In Burgundy, Burton didn't just learn about wine; he lived and breathed it. He got deep into the nitty-gritty of winemaking—stuff like terroir, cultivars, and “climats.” Don't worry if these sound like fancy French words to you; they basically mean Burton learned how to make some seriously good wine.

Bringing Burgundy Home

Burton fell hard for the Burgundian lifestyle—think lazy afternoons, amazing food, and of course, fantastic wine. But instead of staying put, he decided to bring a bit of Burgundy back home to South Africa.

He set up shop in Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, a place that's eerily similar to Burgundy in terms of climate and soil. It's like he found a little slice of France right in his backyard!

The Art of Collaboration

Burton's smart enough to know that two heads (or more) are better than one. He teamed up with Kevin Grant, a rockstar in the wine world, especially when it comes to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It's like having Michael Jordan coach you in basketball—you know you're learning from the best.

But it's not just Kevin. Burton's got a whole dream team working with him, from the folks at Babylon Farm who grow the grapes to Christo Kotze, the wizard who turns those grapes into wine at La Vierge Winery.

The Importance of 'Climats'

Now, here's where it gets a bit technical, but stick with me. Burton's big on this thing called ''climats”—basically, it's about how each tiny plot of land gives grapes their own unique flavour. Think of it like this: just as no two fingerprints are the same, no two plots of land produce identical grapes.

Burton's all about letting these unique flavours shine through in his wines. He's not into messing around too much with the grapes. His philosophy? Let the land do the talking.

The Francis Wines Style

So, what's the end result of all this? Wines that are elegant, complex, and downright delicious. When it comes to Chardonnay, Burton's all about that crisp, fresh taste. And his Pinot Noir? Smooth as silk with a finish that'll make you want to savour every last drop.

Challenges and Rewards

Now, don't think for a second that trading in his rugby boots for wine barrels has been all smooth sailing for Burton. The wine business can be tough—it's a long game, and patience is key. Sometimes, Burton admits, it feels more like a battlefield than a vineyard!

But when Burton sees people enjoying his wines, when he gets to share his story—that's when he knows it's all worth it. It's like scoring the winning try in a rugby match, but better because, well, there's wine involved.

Looking to the Future

Burton's not one to rest on his laurels. He's got big plans for Francis Wines. We're talking multiple appellations (that's wine-speak for designated growing areas) and even dabbling in some bubbly with a Méthode Cap Classique.

Each bottle of Francis Wines isn't just a drink; it's a story in a glass. It's the story of a guy who swapped a rugby field for a vineyard, brought a bit of France to South Africa, and who's pouring his heart and soul into every drop.

So, the next time you're sipping on a glass of Francis Wines, raise a toast to Burton. From rugby player to wine entrepreneur, his journey proves that with passion, hard work, and a good dose of courage, you can turn any field into your playground. Cheers to that!

Thank you, Burton, for inviting us to share your extraordinary personal journey with our readers. We wish you and Kevin much success in the future.

The Unlocked Tradition—Monteko Winery

The Story

Nestled in the picturesque town of Kratovo, North Macedonia, Monteko Winery stands out as a premium wine producer. The winery's success stems from its commitment to sustainable vineyard practices and precise winemaking processes. Monteko's vineyards benefit from an ideal combination of steep terrain, abundant sunshine, and clean air, contributing to the exceptional quality of its wines. The Monteko brand exemplifies the winery's dedication to craftsmanship and the unique terroir of North Macedonia.

The Flagship Wines

Within the Monteko brand, two standout red wines, Nero and Filip, represent the pinnacle of the winery's offerings. These wines are crafted with precision and deep respect for tradition, positioning them as premium choices for discerning wine enthusiasts. Each wine showcases the distinct characteristics of the region's terroir while maintaining the high standards Monteko is known for.

Design Thinking

The label design for Monteko wines strikes a balance between tradition and innovation, mirroring the philosophy behind the wines themselves. Crafted by renowned label designer Jordan Jelev, also known as "The Labelmaker," the design showcases his expertise in creating visually striking and meaningful wine packaging.

Jelev's design features a soft-touch black paper that provides a smooth, luxurious surface. This tactile experience is enhanced by an intricate, debossed decorative pattern covering the entire label, adding depth and sophistication.

At the centre of the design is the Key, a carefully crafted symbol of the brand's ethos. This key, exclusively designed by Jelev for this wine series, incorporates a handmade M-letter monogram at the top, symbolising the winery's commitment to both craftsmanship and exclusivity. The inclusion of this central motif demonstrates Jelev's ability to capture a brand's essence in a single, powerful visual element.

Craftsmanship

The key design is a testament to fine detailing, featuring intricate decorations and engravings that elevate it to a work of art. A 3D-effect embossing with multiple levels creates a sense of depth, making the key appear almost lifelike. Micro-engraved textures further enhance its intricate design. The use of rich gold foil for Filip and warm copper foil for Nero not only differentiates the two wines but also maintains a consistent, premium aesthetic.

Each wine is presented in a classic tapered heavy bottle, sealed with cork, and finished with a semi-matte black wax seal, ensuring the packaging reflects the quality and care invested in the wines.

Attention To Detail

Bringing this complex label to life required precision and expertise. Dagaprint, a print house known for handling intricate design challenges, was tasked with the production. The process demanded meticulous attention to detail, particularly in executing the debossed patterns, 3D-effect embossing, and application of metallic foils. Dagaprint's skill ensured that every element—from the smoothness of the soft-touch paper to the gleaming foil accents—was realised to perfection.

The Standout Feature

The standout feature of the Monteko label is undoubtedly the Key. Its 3D embossing and micro-engraved textures provide a unique, tactile richness. The contrast between the gold and copper foils creates a subtle but effective differentiation between the two wines. This attention to detail, combined with the luxurious soft-touch paper and the bold yet elegant design, positions Monteko as a premium brand that stands out both visually and texturally.

Reflections

Monteko Winery has successfully created a brand that celebrates quality, tradition, and craftsmanship. From the carefully cultivated grapes to the meticulously designed labels, each bottle of Nero and Filip represents the winery's commitment to excellence. The masterfully crafted key design, intricate textures, and luxurious packaging combine to offer more than just a wine—they provide a comprehensive sensory experience that honours tradition while embracing modern sophistication.

Did you miss last week’s newsletter? Last week on Winemakers On Fire, we celebrated the artistry and craftsmanship that go into creating exceptional wines from diverse backgrounds. Meet Belinda van Eyssen, a pioneering winemaker whose journey from South Africa to Australia has resulted in sustainable, award-winning wines that reflect her boundary-pushing approach and respect for tradition. Read.

Until next Tuesday, keep your glass full and your taste buds curious.