Wines produced by female winemakers in time for International Women’s Day with our Downham Market-based columnist Giles Luckett

In his fortnightly ‘Wine O’Clock’ column, Giles Luckett looks at wines produced by female winemakers in time for International Women’s Day…

Next month it’s International Women’s Day, a day the wine trade has taken to heart as the contributions made by women winemakers are hugely impressive. In keeping with this, here are four fantastic wines produced by some of the best female winemakers in the world.

First up, a wine from one of my favourite winemakers, Louisa Rose at Yalumba and her Yalumba GEN Organic Viognier 2023 (Ocado £11). Yalumba is famous for its mastery of Viognier, and this is organic and vegan-friendly to boot.

Louisa is also head of sustainability and having interviewed her I know how passionate she is about it and this shines through in this beautifully pure, fresh-tasting Viognier.

Peaches, pears and apricots dominate the palate, with citrus, white blossoms and gentle spices adding complexity. Enjoy this on its own or with roasted white fish or poultry.

Next up is a Californian wine, the Cambria Katherine’s Vineyard Chardonnay (Majestic £29.99/£24.99 on a mixed six). Female-owned and produced by an all-female winemaking team, Jill Russell has created something beautiful here.

Too often Californian Chardonnay is big on power, short on elegance. This though offers a fine combination of the two.

The nose is warm, rich and full of apples, peaches, crushed nuts and honey. In the mouth it’s vibrant and clean, the impressive weight of orchard fruits and well-integrated buttery oak perfectly offset by a crisp lemon acidity and savoury, dry minerals.

Hugely impressive and great value for money, serve this with everything from mushroom risotto to fish and chips.

And so, to the reds. Spain’s Ribera del Duero is home to some of the greatest red wines in the world with the likes of Vega Sicilia fetching around £400 a bottle.

Brilliant examples are available to us mere mortals, however, and Sara Juan’s Bela 2022 (Noble Grape £17.90) is a must-try. Inky blue-black in colour with a nose that offers blackberries, cherries, woodsmoke and floral notes, in the mouth it’s rich, multilayered and forceful.

Blackcurrants, blueberries, prunes, charcoal, vanilla and a bright, red berry acidity give a satisfying glassful that’s the perfect foil to spring lamb, creamy cheese pasta or spiced tomato dishes.

I’ll finish this week with an old friend, the Louis Jadot Château des Jacques Moulin à Vent 2021 (Ocado £19.25). Julie Pitoiset is the talent behind this exceptional Beaujolais, one that showcases Moulin a Vent’s power, generosity and delicacy.

Victoria plum coloured, the bouquet is full of cherry blossom, almonds, blackberries and a touch of earthy spice. In the mouth, it’s rounded and full-bodied, laden with gorgeous, juicy black fruits, strawberries, cherries and a twist of black pepper to the finish.

This is a seriously good wine that reminded me of Beajoulais’ amazing combination of value and brilliance.

Open and let it breathe for a couple of hours and serve with steak and ale pie, coq au vent or roasted vegetables.

I do hope you’ll try some of these inspiring wines. Next time out I’ll be full of the joys of spring (wines).