French Female Wine Makers

I have two unusual delicious white wines that you MUST try if you can get ahold of them. They are not cheap– but neither is the experience. The first is a white Chateauneuf du Pape that is made with two cepages not available anywhere else in the world and the second is a Grand Cru Reisling that changed my notions of Alsace wines forever. Both wines are made by female wine makers in France and they are both organic. This in itself is unusual.
White Chateauneuf du Pape 2003, Domaine de Marcoux, Sophie et Catherine Armenier:

Sisters Sophie Estevenin and Catherine Armenier adopted bio-dynamic techniques. Their wines are so good that they offer evidence that bio-dynamism can be tasted in the bottle. In 2003, Robert Parker named Sophie and Catherine Wine Personalities of Year for their red wines: “Over the last 12 years, the biodynamically farmed vineyard has risen to the top of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s quality hierarchy. The two red wines produced have been stunning, with the regular cuvée of Châteauneuf-du-Pape one of the finest in the appellation, and the limited production Cuvée Vieilles Vignes one of the world’s truly magnificent wines.”
The Armenier family have been viticulturalists since the 1300’s. Their 10 hectares of Chateauneuf-du-Pape is split between a regular cuvée and the “Vieille Vignes” or “old vines”. Vinification is made using traditional foudres with the Vieille Vignes spending a little more time in wood. Usually, just 2000 cases are made, although sometimes even less. All the 2003 cases are outstanding….if you can get them…
Many people are familiar with only the red Chateauneuf de Pape, but the white is something divine. Full bodied, rich, exquisitely balanced, with stewed quince, pears, minerals, toasty oak and vanilla flavors. Very very sensual. Uh, like VERY sensual…
Reisling Schlossberg 2004, Alsace Grand Cru, Domaine Weinbach, Colette Faller et Fils:

Colette Faller is the great lady of Kaysersberg. Since the death of her husband in 1979, and now with her two daughters Catherine et Laurence, she runs the famous Clos du Capucins. A microclimate that is mild in winter and hot in summer which creates an ideal situation for the alluvial deposits of the Weiss and low yields of exceptional quality.

Wine Spectator:
“A beautiful wine. Serious ripeness and obvious residual sugar in this opulent Riesling. With a texture of cashmere delivering the apricot, grapefruit and spice notes, it is seamless and utterly seductive. Juicy acidity emerges on the finish.” 94
Yeah, couldn’t have said it better myself…Santé!

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