We raise our glasses to these exceptional wines, not just because they’re crafted by women, but because these wines are exquisite! As we embark on the next leg of our discovery journey, join us in part two as we unveil 5 hand-picked wines from Bordeaux to California.
Château Haut-Bages Libéral, Bordeaux, France
Owner and winemaker: Claire Lurton
On our trip to Bordeaux earlier this year, we spent an afternoon with Claire in the vineyard. Her unwavering dedication to biodynamic farming is fully shown in her wine.
“At the beginning, the team was very reluctant about biodynamic farming because it requires more manpower, and attention and puts a higher risk to the crops. However, with encouragement and years of hard work, the team has seen the difference in the wine quality and they are all now very proud of the product!”
In the vineyard, Claire and her team planted different local plantations and fungi to diversify the ecosystem and enrich soil health, bringing energy to her wines.
The La Chapelle de Haut-Bages Liberal 2016 is sophisticated and full of concentration, yet powerful with a nervy and berries-driven acidity that stands out from the left-bank red. Its truffle aroma is the highlight while the fresh ripe strawberry note and grippy yet gentle tannins made an impacable round off of the wine.
Corzano e Paterno, Tuscany, Italy
Winemaker: Arianna Gelpke
Arianna is part of the family, as well as being the core behind the Corzno wines, She joined the team in 2018 as a winemaker. We had the pleasure of meeting Arianna, an elegant lady, last summer, her meticulousness and passion towards the wines left an impression. The estate is currently organically farmed and producing a modest 90,000 bottles of delicious, traditionally made reds, a white, a rosé and even a stunning, must-try sweet wine from 2005!
Our top pick is the Chianti, a classic red from the region. Fill in your glass with bright aromas of wild cherries, ripe red plums, and toasted mushrooms! The juicy palate is supported by a strong backbone of sweet Tuscan herbs and silky tannins that are balanced with a refreshing minerality. A wonderful expression of Sangiovese to enjoy!
Cantina Sorres, Sardinia, Italy
Owner, winemaker and face of the brand: Laura & Delia Fiori
Sorres means sisters in the Sardinian dialect. This is an estate run by two sisters. Laura focuses on the field and winemaking while Delia is the face of the brand. Inherited the vineyard from their grandfather, the duo is now farming the vineyard with a sustainable approach, making wines that are vibrant, and full of energy, with a touch of sun kisses from the island climate.
Cannonau, the local Grenache from Sardinia, gives you concentrated raspberries and sweet cranberries in the forefront, and blackberries and brambles in its long finish. The wine is framed with tannins that gently grip on the sides of your palate. A robust and bold wine that is full of energy, just like Delia, a passionate woman full of energy and will always put a smile on your face!
Clendenen Family Vineyards, California, USA
Owner and the face of the brand: Isabelle Clendenen
Daughter of the California wine pioneer, Jim Clendenen, Isabelle is now the ambassador for Clendenen Family Vineyards, filling the spokesperson role of her late father. She officially joined the team in 2015 and utilised her study of Japanese to present wines and translate for her father extensively in Japan. With experience in the tasting room and wine production, Isabelle is now the driving force behind the brand. A delightful and confident young lady who is dedicated to the family business.
Despite the famed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the label, ‘The Pip’ Red Blend has stood out from the latest release. It is the first-ever red blend released in 20 years since the first release of The Clendenen Family Vineyard label. Four varietals were chosen, Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon, an unconventional blend of traditionally made red wine varietals.
“2019 is a great vintage for all red varieties in Santa Barbara County, so we knew if a blend was created it would be good, really good.”
After three years in a barrel, it resulted in a smooth and supple taste, of fresh cherries and spices, a hint of leather, dark chocolate and truffles and it goes on, making this wine an excellent value.
The Joy Fantastic Holus Bolus Franc de Pied Syrah, California, USA
Owner and winemaker: Amy Christine MW
Amy Christine, one of the 149 female Master of Wine, is now making wine in California, working with wine merchants, and promoting the different dimensions of California wines to the domestic and international markets.
The 2019 vintage is savoury, broad and persistent. Luscious nose with pink peppercorn, pepper, black olive tapenade and smoked meat. The palate incorporates black fruit, wild herbs, tea leaf, rosemary and an elegant hint of smoke. A lovely touch of cloves and fresh lavender lingers on the long and persistent finish. A fine example of a cool-climate-Syrah which reminds us a lot about the Northern Rhone style. Enjoy now or over the next 8-10 years.
Our celebration extends beyond women in wine to the outstanding wines waiting to be discovered in the world of wine. On this International Women’s Day, we proudly present these 10 wines to you, the passionate wine enthusiast, inviting you to branch out and to know more about the driving force behind them!
This Blog post is written by Sharon Wong
Consumer Sales and Marketing Manager of Wanderlust Wine
Sharon is the the driving force behind our website, wine club, marketing activities, and Wanderlust Wine events.
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