Celebrating Women's History Month

Join us in New York City for a wine and cheese tasting as we explore the significant role of women in the wine industry. Sample three exquisite wines crafted by three formidable women winemakers while enjoying an insightful journey through their contributions to the world of wine.

The story of women in the wine industry is a multifaceted narrative, filled with hidden contributions and groundbreaking achievements. Their roles extend far beyond traditional expectations, profoundly shaping the landscape of winemaking as we know it today.

Historically, women have played crucial yet uncredited roles in family-owned vineyards, engaging in essential tasks such as grape harvesting, sorting, and basic winemaking processes. Despite their significant contributions, societal norms often kept them from receiving formal recognition. In many cultures, women focused on the domestic aspects of winemaking, particularly in home production, where their influence was felt yet unacknowledged.

Transitioning into the early 1800s, wineries and Champagne houses, like many businesses in France, were traditionally passed down from fathers to sons. When husbands died—often during wars—widows (known as La Veuve) unexpectedly stepped into leadership roles. At that time, women depended on male family members, as they were prohibited from opening bank accounts or owning property. Their ability to inherit as widows created opportunities for some to become pioneering figures in the wine industry.

A prime example is Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin-Clicquot, better known as Veuve Clicquot. Widowed at 27, this savvy businesswoman transformed her husband's wine business and recognized a gap in the Russian market after the Napoleonic Wars. She smuggled 10,550 bottles into Imperial Russia in anticipation of celebrations, earning a stunning royal endorsement when Tsar Alexander declared he would drink nothing else but her wine. To keep pace with skyrocketing demand, she innovated production techniques, creating the riddling process that enhanced efficiency and clarity in sparkling wine. Her efforts ultimately positioned Veuve Clicquot as a leading luxury brand in Champagne.

The challenges did not end there. The Great Depression, Prohibition, and two World Wars devastated many wineries. The Champagne region, strategically located in Northern France, often faced destruction from military conflicts. Jeanne Krug managed her family's Champagne Krug business after her husband was captured by German forces during WWI. She oversaw operations, raised their children, and volunteered as a Red Cross nurse while creating safe havens in her wine cellars. After the war, Jeanne helped rebuild Reims and established the American Memorial Hospital for children, receiving several French government honors for her dedication and contributions.

Fast forward to the late 20th and early 21st centuries, a significant shift occurred as women began pursuing careers in winemaking, aided by increased access to education and evolving social attitudes. In recent decades, women have made substantial strides across all aspects of the wine industry, from viticulture and winemaking to marketing and management. Today, women occupy leadership positions in renowned wineries around the globe, and the number of female winemakers, sommeliers, and wine critics continues to rise, contributing diverse perspectives and influencing industry trends. However, challenges remain in achieving equal pay and representation in leadership roles.

Moreover, women are at the forefront of driving sustainable winemaking practices and fostering diversity within the industry. Organizations like **La Transmission**, a network of women in Champagne promoting diversity through decision-making roles, and **Les Fab’Bulleuses**, a collective sharing their passion for Champagne, exemplify this supportive movement, cultivating an environment where women can thrive.

Despite the progress, women account for only 17% of Champagne cellar masters. Nevertheless, they own 40% of Champagne estates and represent 28% of senior management roles in Champagne houses. Remarkably, women make 70% of wine purchases in France, and in the United States, they account for 86% of wine purchases in a $56.65 billion industry. Yet, the social, cultural, and economic status of women working in the wine industry does not adequately reflect these achievements.

Furthermore, substantial challenges persist, including gender bias, unequal pay, and limited access to leadership opportunities. The demanding nature of winemaking, characterized by long hours and seasonal fluctuations, can complicate efforts for women to balance their professional and personal lives. Fortunately, ongoing initiatives are working to address these challenges, striving to create a more equitable and inclusive wine industry. A growing emphasis on celebrating the achievements of women in wine, alongside providing mentorship and support for the next generation, is essential.

As we continue to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women in the wine industry, it remains crucial to acknowledge the work yet to be done in achieving true equality and representation, paving the way for a more inclusive and vibrant future.

Marie Weiss Champagne Brut

Introducing Marie Weiss, the exquisite second label of the renowned Champagne house Ployez-Jacquemart.

Situated in the charming village of Ludes, Ployez-Jacquemart has been crafting fine Champagne since 1930, under the skilled guidance of third-generation winemaker Laurence Ployez. Uniquely, Marie Weiss is sourced from the 12 hectares of farmers that have been in the family for generations alongside the 2.5 hectares that belong to the family, reflecting the meticulous approach the estate takes in sourcing from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards they have cultivated relationships with for over two decades.

Laurence Ployez’s commitment to preserving the character of each vintage is reflected in her approach to Non-Vintage blends, where minimal reserve wine is used. The estate’s dedication to traditional methods and hand-harvesting ensures that only the finest first-press juice goes into their wines, resulting in a Champagne that truly embodies craftsmanship and care.

This elegant Champagne is a blend of 50% Pinot Noir, 25% Pinot Meunier, and 25% Chardonnay, expertly sourced primarily from the Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs. Notably, about half of the juice comes from prestigious 1er Cru and Grand Cru vineyards, ensuring exceptional quality at a competitive price. The dosage is less than 6 g/L.

Upon pouring, Marie Weiss Champagne Brut reveals a lively effervescence, showcasing fine, persistent bubbles that dance gracefully in the glass.

The initial aroma is an enticing bouquet of crisp apple and pear, white peach, citrus zest, complemented by subtle notes of freshly baked brioche, crème brûlée introduce hints of nutmeg, alongside a lovely base of chalky mineral tones, characteristic of the region's terroir.

On the palate, this Champagne is round bodied and crisp acidity offering an open and inviting profile. It showcases impressive mid-palate depth, focusing on a harmony of flavors with an elegant mousse that enhances the overall drinking experience. The crisp apple and poached pear notes are beautifully balanced with a touch of lemon curd, offering a delightful tartness. As it lingers, a creamy texture emerges, enriched by hints of toasted almonds and a whisper of floral undertones, providing depth and complexity. The finish is elegant and clean, leaving asting pithy citrus and minerality that beckons for another sip.

What sets Marie Weiss apart from its sibling, Ployez-Jacquemart Brut NV, is its immediate drinkability. While the latter is designed for aging and developing over time, Marie Weiss provides a delightful option for those who wish to enjoy their bubbly right after purchase, without sacrificing quality.

Paired with a Brie de Meaux is a classic French cheese renowned for its creamy texture and buttery aroma. This exquisite bloomy rind cheese can also exhibit fruity and nutty flavors, all wrapped in a beautiful straw-like color. A true embodiment of the rich cheesemaking tradition from the Brie region!

Illiana Mahilin lefkos Crete 2023  

Iliana Malihin is a talented winemaker from Crete, recognized for her commitment to reviving native grape varieties and showcasing the island's unique terroir through organic practices. This wine is her signature dry white wine, crafted primarily from a blend of indigenous grapes, specifically Vidiano and Thrapsathiri.

Iliana's commitment to her craft was put to the test during the devastating fire in Melampes. Despite this disaster, she has created remarkable wines, as evidenced in this exquisite blend of Vidiano and Thrapsathiri. Lefkos is particularly significant this year, as much of her pre-phylloxeric ungrafted vines—used for her other wines—were destroyed, though she remains hopeful for their restoration with dedicated vineyard work.

Vidiano and Thrapsathiri are rare indigenous greek variety. Both grapes are often part of field blends - A field blend is a wine made up of two or more types of grapes, where the grapes are planted together in the same vineyard, brought in together at harvest and co-fermented in the winery.

Lefkos is sourced from high-altitude vineyards rich in limestone, where the refreshing Aegean winds play a crucial role in preserving the grapes’ freshness and acidity. The Vidiano vines that survived the fires, alongside grapes sourced from neighboring villages such as Spili and Petrochori in the wider Rethymno area. This combination imparts a satisfying thickness and smokey volume to the wine, highlighting both the fruity and botanical characteristics of the grape varieties.

Presents a stunning bright yellow hue, glistening in the glass and inviting you to explore its vibrant character. Upon the first swirl, a captivating bouquet of aromas emerges, featuring lively notes of lemon zest, quince and crisp green apple, intertwined with delicate hints of white peach, apricot and wild thyme. There’s an intriguing touch of sea spray, reminiscent of the Aegean coast, adding an oceanic freshness that underscores the wine's terroir.

On the palate, Lefkos reveals its complexity with an elegant interplay of flavors. The initial burst of juicy citrus is beautifully balanced by the richness of stone fruits, such as ripe pear and white peach. As you savor the wine, subtle herbal nuances of thyme and a dash of honeysuckle provide depth and intrigue, creating a harmonious sensation across the palate.

The wine exhibits a medium body, characterized by a refreshing acidity that keeps it lively and engaging from start to finish. A soft texture unfolds on the mid-palate, enhancing the overall mouthfeel and inviting the taster to linger a bit longer with each sip.

The finish is beautifully, smokey mineral-driven, reflecting the limestone-rich soils of Crete from which the grapes are nurtured. It leaves a lasting impression of bright citrus and a whisper of salinity, making you yearn for another sip. Lefkos is a testament to Iliana Malihin’s resilience and skill, offering a delightful and sophisticated expression of Cretan terroir.

Paired with a Polder Goat is a delightful one year aged Gouda-style cheese made from goat milk, produced in Holland. The name "Polder" is inspired by the iconic windmills that pump water to create polders in the region.
This cheese is rich and creamy, featuring enticing notes of lemon and butterscotch that enhance its flavor profile. A perfect choice for cheese lovers looking for a unique and delicious experience!

Istine Chianti Classico DOCG 2022

Angela Fronti is a rising star in the Chianti wine scene. Much like her wines, she exudes high energy, charm, and intensity, balanced by elegance and humility. An admirer of Elisabetta Fagiouli from Montenidoli, Angela has garnered friendship and support from her in her winemaking journey.

All grapes originate from the Istine vineyard, planted in 2002 with a density of 5,000 vines per hectare in limestone-rich soil. The vineyard covers 3.78 hectares, primarily dedicated to Sangiovese and other indigenous varieties suitable for Chianti Classico. Located at an altitude of 450 to 520 meters,nestled between Castellina and Radda on a picturesque hilltop surrounded by woods. Istine has been certified organic since 2016, adhering to natural winemaking practices.

This exceptional Chianti Classico is made from 100% Sangiovese farmed organically and through a non-interventionist approach. The wine undergoes fermentation in stainless steel tanks and is aged for 8 months in large, neutral Slavonian oak barrels. Fermentation occurs in concrete tanks with indigenous yeasts, and the juice is macerated on the skins for up to 45 days, followed by pressing and aging in 10-20 hL barrels for about a year.

Pours into the glass a beautiful medium red hue, inviting you into its vibrant personality. On the nose, it unfolds with an aromatic bouquet of balsamic notes layered with cherry, ripe plum, roasted tomato, oregano, espresso, tobacco and a hint of earthiness that captivates the senses.

On the palate, this wine reveals its core with an explosion of juicy black raspberry and luscious cherry flavors, harmoniously blended with whispers of white pepper and subtle floral undertones. Its medium body is elegantly structured, showcasing a delightful freshness and a bright streak of Sangiovese acidity that dances on the tongue.

The wine's minerality shines through in the long, persistent finish, offering a savory and satisfying end of sour cherry, sandalwood and herbs that lingers beautifully. Each sip encourages you to explore its layers further, revealing the uniqueness of the Radda terroir and the skillful craftsmanship of Angela Fronti.

Paired with a Piave Vecchio derives its name from the Piave River, where the local cows drink. This cheese is often compared to a young Parmesan, showcasing a sweet flavor profile with delightful notes of tropical fruit. A fantastic choice for cheese lovers seeking a unique and flavorful experience from Italy!

Thank you so much to American Securities for the opportunity to share our passions for wine and cheese to celebrate the incredible women in wine, past and present.

The wines are available in store or online at Flatiron Wines in NYC and the cheeses from The Cheese Shop of Centerbrook in CT.