Women Winemakers & Awards

We are very pleased to feature awards recently received by two of our outstanding women winemakers in the 2017 International Women’s Wine Competition.

2016 Vignobles Raymond Elodie Cuvée Florale was named Best of Class Overall. Elodie is only wine Awarded at this Level made from Organically Grown Grapes. This wine is elaborated by one of the most talented women winemakers, Cellar Master Elodie Gilles, straight from famed Champagne house Veuve Clicquot. Elodie has been helping to develop a new French organic wine for Vignobles Raymond, a Cotes de Provence rosé for which she will be a namesake. She was sent to the vineyard in Provence to supervise and be a consultant. She and Yohan as well as winery owner Lionel Raymond have worked on the blend together, as they wanted the wine to have a balance of delicate beauty and vibrancy. The resulting French organic wine is extremely feminine yet dynamic. We are securing quantities of the 2017 harvest now and the wine will be released in the U.S. for the 2018 rosé season. Red more here about Elodie Gilles and this amazing new wine. The wine also received a Gold Medal from Gilbert & Gaillard, and was given 88 points by Wine Enthusiast.

Elodie Cuvée Florale
32% Grenache, 20% Cinsaut, 30% Syrah, 10% Rolle, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon

Beautiful orange-pink robe. Nose is clear and intense with citrus fruits, such as orange. The mouth is tender, fruity and dominated by the same profound aromatic palate. Long finish with a hint of acidity. A pleasing rosé! – Wine Enthusiast

The Demeter Certified Biodynamic 2016 Biokult Grüner Veltliner was also awarded a Gold Medal. Angela Michlits is another of the outstanding women winemakers, and the primary winemaker for Biokult Biodynamic wine from Pamhagen, Austria. From the beginning Angela was in charge of all the winemaking and vinification processes. While their three children are at school, Angela spends her day in the cellar with her colleagues. She understands the use of traditional wine growing and winemaking techniques and has developed them in modern ways. Her and her husband’s search for establishing the best conditions and thus letting nature do its best work for the wines without excessive human intervention is very innovative and contemporary. Read more here about Angela and Biokult.

Biokult Grüner Veltliner
100% Grüner Veltliner

Creamy notes of pear still carry a hint of flinty smoke, but the pear notes rise with purity. The bright freshness of pure lemon lifts everything and makes for purity, ease, refreshment and blithe joy. –Wine Enthusiast (2015)