Women of Wine
In the world of wine, where tradition often intertwines with innovation, several remarkable women have made significant impacts. This summer, as we explore exceptional vintages at Fred’s Avalon Liquor Store, we spotlight three trailblazing female winemakers: Carol Shelton, Heidi Barrett, and Cristina Mariani-May. Each has uniquely contributed to reshaping the wine landscape with outstanding contributions and exquisite wines. Their stories are not just about wine; they’re about breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks for quality and sustainability.
Carol Shelton Wines
Nestled in the heart of California’s Sonoma County, Carol Shelton Wines stands out as a beacon of innovation and dedication in the world of winemaking. Shelton, often hailed as the most awarded winemaker in the United States, brings a blend of passion, expertise, and artistic flair to each bottle. Her entry into the industry came at a time when it was overwhelmingly male-dominated. Graduating with a degree in fermentation science from the prestigious University of California-Davis, Shelton quickly distinguished herself with her acute sensory skills and a deep passion for winemaking.
Throughout her career, Shelton has been recognized for her innovative techniques and her ability to capture the essence of the vineyard. Her career is punctuated with pioneering contributions, particularly in the realm of Zinfandel, a varietal she champions with unmatched enthusiasm. Her philosophy revolves around the harmony between nature and nurture, allowing each vineyard to express its unique character through sustainable practices. Overcoming stereotypes and industry norms, she has not only excelled but has also become a mentor and role model for aspiring female winemakers.
Coquille Blanc 2017: A White Rhône Style Blend
On the nose, there is an enticing blend of spicy pears and white peaches, complemented by almond paste and a touch of honeysuckle perfume, creating a dimensional and intriguing aroma. The wine is crisply dry, yet simultaneously creamy and round, full-bodied with a beautiful balance of texture and flavor. The finish showcases a crisp yet juicy pear fruit flavor, underlined with a nice almond paste note, adding to its complexity and full-bodied feel.
Matured for 8 months in all older French oak barrels, which subtly enhances the wine’s intricate flavor profile without overwhelming the delicate white fruit flavors. Comprised of 30% Grenache Blanc, 30% Roussanne, 30% Viognier, and 10% Marsanne, each varietal adds unique characteristics to the blend, ensuring a harmonious and complex final product.
This wine is particularly well-suited for pairing with shellfish, chicken, or pork dishes that feature buttery-creamy sauces, enhancing the richness and depth of both the wine and the food.
Wild Thing Old Vine Zinfandel 2021: A Mendocino County Marvel
This is a standout representation of Zinfandel, sourced from at least 65-year-old vines grown on the bench lands and slopes of Mendocino County’s mountainside. Renowned for its robust character and complex terroir-driven flavors, this wine is a vivid expression of its wild, untamed roots. Matured for 12 months in oak barrels, this aging process enhances the wine’s complexity and adds a delicate spice character without overshadowing the vibrant fruit flavors. Comprised of 86% old vine Zinfandel, 9% Petit Sirah, and 5% old vine Carignane, this blend showcases the synergy between these varietals, enhancing the wine’s structural integrity and flavor profile.
The wine exudes deep, enticing aromas of black cherry, ripe plum, and raspberry, beautifully integrated with subtle hints of cigar box and vanilla-oak baking spice, creating a rich and inviting aromatic profile. On the palate, it presents a smoothly textured experience, with a creamy, round body that leads to a lush, jammy fruit expression. The balance between fruit purity and nuanced spiciness makes for a captivating tasting experience. The finish is long and satisfying, marked by layers of jammy fruit that linger pleasantly, echoing the depth and vitality of old-vine Zinfandel.
This robust Zinfandel is perfectly suited for pairing with hearty dishes such as grilled meats, rich stews, or spicy barbecue. Its bold flavors also make it a great match for sharp cheeses or dark chocolate, providing a versatile option for various culinary experiences.
Heidi Barrett
Heidi Barrett is a superstar in the world of wine, often referred to as the “First Lady of Wine” due to her unparalleled success in Napa Valley. With a degree in fermentation science from UC Davis, just like Carol Shelton, Barrett has become a legendary figure for her role as the winemaker behind some of the most expensive and sought-after wines in the world, including those from Screaming Eagle.
Barrett’s approach to winemaking combines intuitive craftsmanship with scientific expertise. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and her innovative techniques, she crafts wines that are complex, balanced, and highly acclaimed. Her philosophy centers on minimal intervention, allowing the natural qualities of the grape to shine through.
La Sirena Pirate TreasuRed 2018: A Napa Valley Treasure
Aged in French oak barrels, this maturation process enhances the wine’s complexity and contributes to its elegant profile. A masterful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Grenache, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Petit Sirah, each varietal adds distinct characteristics to the blend, making it vibrant and dynamic.
The nose is a rich tapestry of aromas, featuring dark fruits like blackberries and plums, layered with spicy notes of black pepper and clove, enriched by a subtle hint of mocha. Full-bodied and robust, the palate delivers a complex mix of flavors including ripe red and black fruits, complemented by nuances of vanilla and dark chocolate. The integration of various varietals results in a balanced wine with good structure and depth. The finish is long and satisfying, with velvety tannins and a lingering spice that makes this wine memorable.
This versatile blend pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Try it with grilled red meats, hearty stews, or a rich chocolate dessert to complement its robust profile. It also pairs beautifully with strong cheeses, offering a delightful contrast to their intense flavors.
Paradigm 2019 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon: A Napa Valley Masterpiece
Paradigm Winery, situated in the heart of Oakville with prestigious neighbors like Bond, Harlan, Promontory, and Dominus, takes full advantage of some of Napa’s finest terroir to craft wines of exceptional value. The Paradigm 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon stands as a testament to this legacy, promising to rival even the acclaimed 1999 vintage. Aged for 20 months in both new and used French oak barrels, followed by an additional 20 months in the bottle before release, this careful aging process ensures the development of its complex flavors and smooth texture. The wine is a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, sourced from several blocks of the Paradigm Estate vineyard. This meticulous blending highlights the strengths of each varietal to create a balanced and sophisticated wine.
This Cabernet Sauvignon opens with a captivating bouquet of black cherry, berry, and plum, intertwined with subtle notes of new and used French oak, adding layers of complexity to its aromatic profile. On the palate, the wine is rich and full-bodied, with flavors that mirror the nose — black cherry, berry, and plum — enhanced by moderate tannins that provide a chewy texture. The blend creates a harmonious and complete flavor profile, showcasing the beauty of Oakville’s terroir. The finish is long and persistent, with the flavors and textures lingering elegantly, making each sip a memorable experience.
This versatile Cabernet Sauvignon pairs wonderfully with a variety of rich dishes, including grilled steaks, roasted lamb, and hearty stews. Its complexity also makes it a perfect match for aged cheeses and dark chocolate desserts.
Cristina Mariani-May
In the lush landscapes of Tuscany, Cristina Mariani-May, a third-generation family proprietor and CEO of Banfi Vintners, is redefining what it means to lead a modern winery. As one of the few female leaders in an industry steeped in history, Mariani-May has carved out her legacy by steering her family’s vineyards toward groundbreaking sustainable practices and technological advancement. Mariani-May took the helm of Banfi, one of Italy’s most prestigious wine estates, with a clear vision: to produce high-quality wines that are both exceptional in taste and exemplary in environmental stewardship. Under her leadership, Banfi has implemented integrated pest management, reduced chemical use, and initiated extensive research into clonal selection and vineyard management — efforts that have significantly lowered the estate’s carbon footprint and conserved the biodiversity of the region.
Mariani-May’s approach goes beyond winemaking; she is deeply committed to the welfare of her employees and the community, ensuring that the estate’s prosperity is shared. She has established Banfi as a teaching ground for viticulture students and a center for wine education, spreading her knowledge and passion for wine to new generations. Her wines are a testament to the belief that the best Italian wines are those made in harmony with their environment, setting a benchmark for others to follow.
Castello Banfi San Angelo Pinot Grigio 2022: A Crisp Tuscan Gem
Fermented and aged in stainless-steel tanks to preserve its fresh, fruity character, and crisp acidity, ensuring that the natural vibrancy of the Pinot Grigio grapes is fully expressed. Made from 100% Pinot Grigio grapes, this wine is a pure and authentic representation of the varietal, crafted to highlight its best qualities.
The wine opens with a fragrant bouquet of fresh pear, green apple, and citrus, complemented by subtle floral notes that add a layer of elegance to its aromatic profile. On the palate, this Pinot Grigio is crisp and lively, showcasing flavors of juicy peach, citrus zest, and a hint of almond. The bright acidity and light-bodied texture make it exceptionally refreshing and easy to drink. The finish is clean and lingering, with a pleasant minerality that enhances its overall freshness and complexity.
This Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, including seafood such as grilled shrimp or scallops, light salads, and poultry dishes. Its crispness also makes it an excellent accompaniment to creamy cheeses and antipasti.
Castello Banfi Chianti 2021: A Classic Tuscan Expression
Aged in a combination of stainless-steel and oak barrels, this process allows the wine to maintain its fresh fruit character while gaining additional complexity and structure from the oak. Primarily made from Sangiovese grapes, with a small percentage of other traditional red varietals, this blend highlights the quintessential characteristics of a classic Chianti.
The nose reveals inviting aromas of ripe red cherries and plums, accented by notes of violet and a hint of earthy spice, creating a rich and aromatic profile that reflects its Tuscan origins. On the palate, this Chianti is medium-bodied and well-structured, featuring flavors of juicy red berries, black cherries, and a touch of savory herbs. Its balanced acidity and fine tannins provide a smooth and refreshing mouthfeel. The finish is elegant and lingering, with a subtle hint of oak and spice that enhances the wine’s complexity and depth.
This versatile Chianti pairs wonderfully with a wide range of Italian dishes, including pasta with tomato-based sauces, grilled meats, and aged cheeses. Its balanced profile also makes it a delightful companion to pizza and roasted vegetables.
These exceptional women are not just winemakers; they are icons of innovation and inspiration. Their wines tell stories of passion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of quality that has not only delighted palates, but also empowered future generations. Visit Fred’s Avalon Liquor Store this season to explore the distinctive creations from these pioneering women of wine, perfect for enhancing your summer gatherings.
