France has a long history of women running things in and around the vineyards that produce its famous wines. But up until recently, many of these women were on the edges of the glory, an had to enter the winemaking business through the back door.
Maryline Gianna was born in Beaune, the capital of Burgundy wines. Her grandparents managed a vineyard, where she grew up learning about wine and with respect for the land. After receiving her Oenologist Diploma, Maryline spent years innovating and developing wines at various growers before becoming winemaker at Veuve du Vernay and Patriarche. Her greatest satisfaction is in sharing her enjoyment and knowledge of wine with her customers.
“I am proud to have worked on Veuve du Vernay Ice Rosé; it was an enriching experience of collaborating with various winegrowers to craft a unique blend that strikes the perfect balance. Not overly sweet, yet wonderfully refreshing when served over ice. This sparkling’s success fills me with immense pride and reinforces my passion for the art of winemaking.”
After graduating with a Master of Advanced Studies degree in oenology, Florence worked for 14 years for a major supermarket group, where she held responsibilities in the laboratory, cellars, quality control, and purchasing. She then worked in Saint-Émilion as the buyer for a négociant firm before arriving at Barton & Guestier in May 2015. She now works as B&G’s oenologist in Bordeaux, Southwest France, and the Languedoc.
“I like all the wines we make! We invest a lot of energy and hard work into making all of them! Our aim is for each one to be perfectly representative of its appellation and appreciated by our customers. However, if I had to choose one wine, I would say the ‘Héritage.’ Although open and easy to appreciate, it is a wine of great complexity, combining fruity, spicy, and oaky aromas. It is rich, velvety, and has a long aftertaste. All the hallmarks of a great wine!”
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