Women's History Month Part I: Miren de Saint Chamas

Observed in March, Women's History Month is a celebration of women's contributions to history, society and culture. The month-long observance has been formally recognized in the United States since 1987, but the first International Women's Day traces its roots all the way back to 1911.  

Here at the Shop we love to highlight the Vigneronneses of the world, be it female winemakers, producers, vineyard owners or just the badass women of the wine industry! We've done two Tastings so far this month, both of which featured some women winemakers. But this week and next we're going Full-On women ONLY.

In house we'll have Wine Specialist and mother, Mandy Elias, pouring for us. She'll be highlighting Miren de Saint Chamas, owner and operator of Château de Pennautier in the Languedoc. de Saint Chamas and her company started with Château de Pennautier, but now she owns a total of six estates spanning across eight different appellations, of which Château de Caunettes (we'll get there below) is one.

Named for her husband, Nicolas de Lorgeril, we'll first be be enjoying the Lorgeril "Ô de Rose" Cuvée Prestige Rosé. The vineyards for this wine are rooted in the foothills of the Massif Central, between the Pyrenees and Mediterranean Sea. This patchwork of climates and terroirs is the secret behind Ô: the grapes are slowly matured in perfect weather conditions and produce a crisp and elegantly balanced wine.

Next we'll be moving on to a White blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier called Mademoiselle de Pennautier Terroirs d’Altitude. This table white comes from vineyards in the heart of the Languedoc that have been around since 1620 and a succession of twelve generations who have farmed the land.

To finish we'll be enjoying two Reds from the Cabardès Appellation of the Languedoc, a Rhône-style Syrah and Grenache red blend from Château de Caunettes and Château de Pennautier's Cabardès blend as well. The cool thing about the Cabardès appellation is that it's France's youngest appellation, only becoming official in 1999.

The Shop being Woman-Owned, supporting other women in the business world, wine especially, is something near and dear to us. Come on out on Wednesday and join us in this endeavor and enjoy some really good juice.

See you there!

Salud,

The Wine Shop Team