Women and Wine: Five-star female winemakers worth celebrating

Women and wine – surely two of the best things in life? Giles Luckett raises a toast to some five-star female wine makers.

While the wine trade has a reputation as an old boys’ network, when it comes to winemakers, it’s increasingly egalitarian. Some of the most amazing wines
in the world are made by women, as these five-star wines show.

Eva Plazas Torné – Vilarnau

Eva Plazas Torné is a fantastically talented winemaker who’s helped make Vilarnau one of the best Cavas you can buy. Their range is extensive, and the 0.0% Rose is a knock-out alcohol-free wine, but for me, the star is the “Gaudi” Brut Reserva (Majestic £10).

Pale gold with tiny pearlescent bubbles, the bouquet is a complex blend of red, yellow, and green berries offset by toasty yeast. These themes continue on to the palate, where they are joined by spiced apples and brioche.

Louisa Rose – Yalumba

Yalumba is one of the great names of Australian wines, and Louisa Rose has taken the venerable producer’s wines to new heights. Wines like the Yalumba Organic Viognier (Waitrose £10) combine brilliance with value.

Combining tropical fruit, apricots, and pears with fennel, honeysuckle, and white peppers, it’s exotic, yet easy-going. Pair this with roasted white meats or fish, and you’re in for a treat.

Angela Miranda – Lou Miranda Estate

I’ll stay in Aus (I wish!) for my next wine, the Lou Miranda Fierce Wild Blend (Perfect Cellar £23.95).

Angela Miranda has created something unique here. A red wine that drinks like a white that’s made from Shiraz, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Merlot and Sagrantino. I had it lightly chilled and found its abundance of red berries, plums, and earthy spices offset by red apples and rose water tones. There’s a subtle hint of sweetness to the finish that make this an ideal partner to Thai food.

Cherie Spriggs – Nyetimber

Nyetimber is one of the great names of English wine. Cherie Spriggs and her team craft world-class wines that have significantly raised the bar for English fizz. Over Christmas, I had the Nyetimber Rosé (Waitrose £46) for the first time, and I was blown away.

Marrying red berries, blossoms, and creamy with chalk minerals, it has delicacy and nuance, but the underlying intensity lends it power and presence. I had this with smoked fish, but I can see it working well with lamb or charcuterie.

Gaia Gaja

Winemaking dynasties don’t come much bigger than Gaja. The first family of Italian wine made their name with their astonishing Barbaresco and Barolo, but in recent years, they’ve moved into other areas. Winemaker Gaia Gaja now oversees the production of a range of exceptional wines, including the Sicilian Etna IDDA Rosso (Perfect Cellar £39.95).

Bright ruby, violet, black cherry and mulberry notes soar from the glass. In the mouth, it’s ripe and gentle, with cherries and plums accompanied by savoury tomato leaves and oregano. Try this with tomato-rich dishes, meatballs, or a veggie lasagne.

Next time round, I’ll hopping into spring with the best new season wines.

Cheers!