Written by Wendy Toerien Photographs by Craig Fraser
Published by Quivertree Publications with the South African Brandy Foundation
FIREWATER, South African Brandy
‘Fiery and inaccessible in its youth, the best brandy evolves in a way which reveals its pedigree. The maturation process strips away the layers which conceal its true expression of place, so that, after several transformations – from grapes to wine, wine to spirit, alcohol to brandy – the butterfly emerges from its cocoon of oak.’
– Michael Fridjhon, connoisseur and wine expert, in his introduction to Fire Water: South African Brandy.
South African brandies are world-class products with unique tastes, characters and styles, and Fire Water: South African Brandy provides a fascinating new account of how brandy is created and enjoyed in this country. Illustrated with Craig Fraser’s evocative photographs, Wendy Toerien’s text weaves a compelling tale – one that relates the history of South African brandy, explains how this premium product is made and shows how best its true spirit can be savoured.
Fire Water also explores South Africa’s brandy country, looking at the regions, terroirs, cellars and grape varieties used in brandy production, and takes the reader on a tour of producers, which range from the country’s major distillers to small, select, single-estate brandy makers. The book explains the complex skills involved in the craft of brandy production and describes the different styles of brandy made by the South African industry.
A user-friendly guide to enjoying brandy is also provided. Five of South Africa’s top chefs – Margot Janse, Peter Goffe-Wood, Franck Dangereux, Reuben Riffel and Nic van Wyk – have contributed their ultimate brandy recipes, and cocktail experts Liquidchefs provide their pick of both classic and contemporary brandy cocktails.
All this is brought vividly to life by Craig Fraser’s photographs, which provide new and unique views of the world of South African brandy. His evocative images document everything from the intimate details of the craft of brandy making to the grandeur and beauty of South Africa’s brandy-producing regions, terroirs, vineyards and cellars.
In short, Fire Water is the definitive book about South African brandy.
More about writer Wendy Toerien
Wendy Toerien is a freelance wine writer and author who has been writing about wine since 1989. She was news editor and features writer of Wine magazine South Africa from its inception, in 1993, until 1999. Wendy is also on the panel of writers that contributes to the annual Platter’s SA Wine Guide, and has written two books about South African wine: South African Wine – A Celebration (1999) and Wines and Vineyards of South Africa (2000).
More about photographer Craig Fraser
Renowned lifestyle photographer Craig Fraser has spent much of his career capturing South Africa’s diverse landscapes. His inspiring images have appeared in many local and international publications as well as in several acclaimed books, including HOME Cape Town, Shack Chic: Art and Innovation in South African Shack-Lands and The New Safari: Design/Decor/Detail, all of which are published by Quivertree Publications.
For more information, interview requests and review copies,
contact Libby at Quivertree Publications on 021-4616808
or info@doyle.co.za
Published by Quivertree Publications with the South African Brandy Foundation
FIREWATER, South African Brandy
‘Fiery and inaccessible in its youth, the best brandy evolves in a way which reveals its pedigree. The maturation process strips away the layers which conceal its true expression of place, so that, after several transformations – from grapes to wine, wine to spirit, alcohol to brandy – the butterfly emerges from its cocoon of oak.’
– Michael Fridjhon, connoisseur and wine expert, in his introduction to Fire Water: South African Brandy.
South African brandies are world-class products with unique tastes, characters and styles, and Fire Water: South African Brandy provides a fascinating new account of how brandy is created and enjoyed in this country. Illustrated with Craig Fraser’s evocative photographs, Wendy Toerien’s text weaves a compelling tale – one that relates the history of South African brandy, explains how this premium product is made and shows how best its true spirit can be savoured.
Fire Water also explores South Africa’s brandy country, looking at the regions, terroirs, cellars and grape varieties used in brandy production, and takes the reader on a tour of producers, which range from the country’s major distillers to small, select, single-estate brandy makers. The book explains the complex skills involved in the craft of brandy production and describes the different styles of brandy made by the South African industry.
A user-friendly guide to enjoying brandy is also provided. Five of South Africa’s top chefs – Margot Janse, Peter Goffe-Wood, Franck Dangereux, Reuben Riffel and Nic van Wyk – have contributed their ultimate brandy recipes, and cocktail experts Liquidchefs provide their pick of both classic and contemporary brandy cocktails.
All this is brought vividly to life by Craig Fraser’s photographs, which provide new and unique views of the world of South African brandy. His evocative images document everything from the intimate details of the craft of brandy making to the grandeur and beauty of South Africa’s brandy-producing regions, terroirs, vineyards and cellars.
In short, Fire Water is the definitive book about South African brandy.
More about writer Wendy Toerien
Wendy Toerien is a freelance wine writer and author who has been writing about wine since 1989. She was news editor and features writer of Wine magazine South Africa from its inception, in 1993, until 1999. Wendy is also on the panel of writers that contributes to the annual Platter’s SA Wine Guide, and has written two books about South African wine: South African Wine – A Celebration (1999) and Wines and Vineyards of South Africa (2000).
More about photographer Craig Fraser
Renowned lifestyle photographer Craig Fraser has spent much of his career capturing South Africa’s diverse landscapes. His inspiring images have appeared in many local and international publications as well as in several acclaimed books, including HOME Cape Town, Shack Chic: Art and Innovation in South African Shack-Lands and The New Safari: Design/Decor/Detail, all of which are published by Quivertree Publications.
For more information, interview requests and review copies,
contact Libby at Quivertree Publications on 021-4616808
or info@doyle.co.za
