March 8th is International Women’s Day, and it’s a killer excuse to uncork a bottle crafted by one of the wine world’s talented female winemakers. Ranging from sustainably-farmed organic bubbly to a stellar wine made from one of the Evergreen State’s most renowned vineyards, we’ve rounded up a few bottles to check out, plus a little food pairing advice.
Cote Bonneville Cabernet Franc Rose – Kerry Shiels
Cote Bonneville is a family affair. Founders Kathy and Hugh Shiels planted DuBrul Vineyard back in the early ’90s, and it’s since become widely recognized as one of the top vineyards not just in Yakima Valley but in the whole of Washington State. Since 2009, their daughter Kerry Shiels has taken over as winemaker, where she makes exceptional terroir-driven wines. This Cabernet Franc rose is made for spring. With gorgeous vibrant raspberry, strawberry, and pink grapefruit aromas layered over crushed petals, and a dry, crisp profile, this wine is a perfect pairing with veggie samosas, dosas, or grilled chicken. Of course, you can also enjoy it on its own, paired with some good company.
Te Whare Ra Clayvin Single Vineyard Pinot Noir – Anna Flowerday
Anna Flowerday owns and oversees the winemaking at Marlborough’s highly-acclaimed Te Whare Ra with her husband Jason. Te Whare Ra is one of the oldest boutique wineries in the region, and since the Flowerdays took over in 2003, they’ve introduced a combination of biodynamic and organic practices in the vineyard. Marlborough is famous for cool-climate grapes like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, and the Te Whare Ra Clayvin single-vineyard Pinot Noir ranks high on our list of the top Pinots in the region. Elegant, with fragrant notes of raspberry, strawberry, plum, and rose petals, black tea, and well-integrated spice. Drink the Clayvin Pinot with tandoori salmon or roast poultry, or if you’re patient, it’s one bottle of wine that’s definitely worth cellaring for a few years.
Champagne Julie Dufour Cleobuline – Julie Dufour
As the sister to the cult grower-producer Charles Dufour, it’s no surprise that Julie’s talents as a winemaker and grape grower rival her brother’s. Julie cultivates small parcels of organically farmed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the Cote des Bar region of Champagne. Dufour is making a name for herself making vibrant, fresh Champagne. Cleobuline, her first cuvee, an exquisite extra brut Champagne blended from 70 percent Pinot Noir and 30 percent Chardonnay. The nose and palate feature delicious notes of stone fruits, pear, citrus, and a classic chalky minerality. While the elegant Cleobuline is her sole cuvée at present, Julie is hard at work crafting new cuvées to add to her line in the future. Pour this bubbly with classic Champagne pairings like oysters, lobster, or sushi.
Looking to support more winemakers? Then you might want to check out 7 BIPOC-Owned Wineries You Need to Know
