Wine has traditionally been a man’s world, but as the Diva(s) at the Met event during this week’s Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival showed, these days it’s the women who hold the keys to the cellar. Here are some top women of wine and the bottles they pour.
The woman: Eva Bertran, Executive VP
The winery: Gloria Ferrer, Sonoma County, California
The wine: Sonoma Brut NV
Tasting notes: Light pear and floral nose, with a trace of stone, balances warm apple and toasted flavours. Short, clean finish.
Food pairing: Match with shellfish, chicken or sushi. Or try Gouda or Brie type cheese with olives.
The woman: Eve Jell, International Sales Director
The winery: Spier Estate, Stellenbosch, South Africa
The wine: Private Collection Chenin Blanc 2007
Tasting notes: Aromas of dried apricot, lemon and lime. Strong fruit flavour balanced by slightly lingering finish.
Food pairing: Seafood, sushi, roast duck and pork tenderloin. Goat cheese with figs and prosciutto.
The woman: Heidi Noble, Owner/Winemaker
The winery: JoieFarm, Naramata Bench, B.C.
The wine: A Noble Blend 2008
Tasting notes: A blend of Gewürztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Auxerrois, Pinot Gris and Oraniensteiner. Medium body, spicy nose of pink grapefruit and white peaches over palate of cloves, coriander and citrus.
Food pairing: Cured fish, roast chicken or goose, garlic and saffron bases.
The woman: Sandra Oldfield, Owner/Winemaker
The winery: Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, Oliver, B.C.
The wine: Oldfield’s Collection 2Bench 2007
Tasting notes: Almost 50% Semillon, 27% Chardonnay, with Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Muscat. Clean crisp palate balanced by subtle nose of tropical fruit and melon. Clean, citrus finish.
Food pairing: Any cheese, chicken, duck or lighter pasta dishes. Good for drier, less rich desserts.
The woman: Andrea Besslich, International Export Manager
The winery: Schloss Reinhartshausen, Rheingau, Germany
The wine: Hattenheimer Wisselbrunnen Riesling 2007
Tasting notes: Soft, crisp palate with smooth nose of peach and apricots, light lingering finish.
Food pairing: Pork or duck terrines, medium aged cheeses, charcuterie
The woman: Antonella di Tonno, Managing Director
The winery: Azienda Vinicola Talamonti, Abruzzo, Italy
The wine: Kudos IGT Colline Pescaresi 2004
Tasting notes: Spicy, bold yet elegant palate, nose of tar, violets and stone fruit, with mouth-coating finish.
Food pairing: Braised meats and game, stews, richer pastas.
The woman: Cathy Seghesio, Sales Manager
The winery: Seghesio Family Vineyards, San Lorenzo, California
The wine: Zinfandel 2006
Tasting notes: Dark, bold palate, with nose of cherry and blackberries. Light peppery finish.
Food pairing: Dark chocolate truffles, spicy stews, game and dark meats.