Women In Wine Volume 3 For Women’s History Month

Women in wine volume 3 for Women's History Month is a new feature for Wine Wednesday.  March is Women's History Month. So each week I'm featuring a new woman in the wine industy.

This time it is Sonoma-Cutrer in Sonoma. There is not just female wine maker here, but a majority of the winemaking team is lead by women. Chardonnay is what put Sonoma-Cutrer on the map. Pinot noir is next on their specialty list. Unlike most wineries, this one has different a wine maker for each grape.

I featured Sonoma-Cutrer's pinot noir wine maker,  Zidanelia Arcidiacono, in an episode of Grape Minds Wine podcast a couple of years ago. The full interview is here. Zindanelia was born in Texas but grew up in Argentina where she was surrounded by vineyards.

The winery did not make rose until 2016 and I was fortunate to attend a release party. It was not easy to find at that time. However, over the years, the production has increased. Good news for rose lovers. This one is made from pinot noir grown in Sonoma's Russian River Valley. The grapes are grown and harvested specifically for this wine. It's not a byproduct of pinot.

I was just sent the new release (2021) and it does not disappoint. It's a light salmon color that is perfectly spring in every way. You can smell red fruits like strawberry and raspberry. You can taste them too. It's a juicy, refreshing wine that lingers on your tongue. Stock up on a few bottles for Easter. $19.99

Sonoma-Cutrer not only embraces women as leaders, but the winer is also dedicated to protecting the environment. They are a leader in sustainable practices. Fun fact, Sonoma County is the first wine region in the world to be 99% sustainable. Cheers to women in wine for Women's History Month.

Women in wine volume 2 for Women’s History Month is a new feature for Wine Wednesday during the month of March. March is Women's History Month and women are indeed making history in the world of wine. Women such as Bibiana Gonzalez Rave, founder and winemaker of Alma de Cattleya Wines.

I was introduced to Bibiana Gonzalez Rave many years ago and almost always have her wines in my home stash. She grew up in Columbia which is not a thriving wine country. However, as a teenager her parents introduced her to the art of  wine with dinner when going out. It sparked a curiosity that eventually lead her to grab a backpack and head France. She learned how to make wine in the prestigious region of Bordeaux. In 2004 she went to California to experience a wine harvest and a few years later moved to Sonoma.

Cattelaya is the national flower of Columbia, a nod to her roots. It's a beautiful, orchid that adorns her labels. She has two tiers of wine,  Alma de Cattelaya is a little more affordable. In a typical year, she produces six different wines. I love the rose of pinot noir. It has great strawberry notes and nice body.

Her sauvignon blanc sees a little oak which helps round out bitterness and add some texture. Lemongrass and melon are two of the flavors that stand out. For Chardonnay lovers, Bibiana makes a couple of them. I'm not a huge fan of this grape but every one that I've tried of hers is outstanding, well balanced. The pinot noir is also outstanding, with layers of flavors and lots of red fruit.

The wines are low production and  range in price from $22 to $48. You can find them in Florida or direct from the winery. In addition to Catteleya, Bibiana makes a sauvignon blanc with her well-known wine making husband, Jeff Pisoni. It's called Shared Notes and if you can find it, it's fantastic.

Julie Glenn and I interviewed Bibiana a couple of years ago for our Grape Minds Wine podcast. To hear more about her story and wines, click here. In the meantime, look for Bibiana's wines. Cheers to women in wine volume 2 for Women’s History Month.