ON THE GRAPEVINE
Surely there couldn’t be a more fitting way of raising a glass to International Women’s Day (March 8), by celebrating with a wine made by a woman... especially with so many talented vignerons making their mark in a historically male-dominated industry.
As Cherie Spriggs, head winemaker at Nyetimber and Sparkling Winemaker of the Year 2018 (nyetimber.com), puts it: “I’m so passionate about my career and have loved, and continue to love my experience within the wine industry. I’m always eager to highlight winemaking as a fulfilling and interesting career for women.”
The wine world has traditionally been male-dominated, however Cherie says this is gradually changing.
For IWD, Cherie recommends Nyetimber 1086 Prestige Cuvee 2010 (£150, Nyetimber), right, which she cites as one of their finest wines. “To me, this wine truly represents the pinnacle of our winemaking.”
Elsewhere, with #EmbraceEquity as this year’s campaign theme, buyers at Berry Brothers & Rudd have released a limited-edition International Women’s Day
2023, Six-Bottle Mixed Case (£225, Berry Bros & Rudd), pictured, featuring six female producers from Burgundy, Bordeaux, Rhone, Rioja and Tuscany.
Meanwhile, Susana Balbo, a three-time president of wines’ of Argentina, is actively committed to women’s empowerment.
She says IWD reminds her we must make a great effort to help all those forgotten by the system. She is also dedicated to showing the potential of torrontes, a white grape variety. Try Susana Balbo Barrel Fermented Torrontes 2021 White Wine, Mendoza, Argentina (£21.50, The Champagne Company), right, which delights with its florals, exotic fruit notes and limey acidity.
Another leading lady is Italian Elena Walch. A member of Le Donne del Vino (Women in Wine), Elena says the association now counts more than 1,000 members nationwide who are all women in charge of estates, oenologists, sommeliers, restaurateurs or chefs. Try Elena Walch Pinot Grigio 2021, Alto Adige, Italy (£19.50, Armit Wines), right, which comes highly recommended for its purity of fruit and fabulous freshness.
Kathrin Jankowiec, production winemaker at Villa Maria (villamariawines.com), first started in the industry as a cellar hand – a very physical job. Fast forward to today, and she says the industry has become more diverse and inclusive. And while the industry is still dominated by men in leadership roles, she’s optimistic this conversation will soon be redundant.
We’ll drink to that with a delicious glass of Villa Maria Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2021, Marlborough, New Zealand (£12, Sainsbury’s), right, which stands out for its herbaceous aromas, and zesty, textured palate.