Being a sommelier and a woman has its benefits. Sommelier Edit reveals why.
Top 100 Sommeliers ranks the very best sommeliers in the UK each year and for the first time this year, the very best in Spain.
In each country over 25% of top sommeliers are women who are curating lists and serving fabulous wines in some of the best British and Spanish restaurants and hotels you can find. In fact, the number one Spanish sommelier in 2024 is María José Huertas from Paco Roncero, Madrid the first Spanish sommelier to receive this coveted position.
Being ranked as one of the top five has its advantages – not just the nomination and the accolade but also the prize; the 2024 Top 5 Female Sommeliers, from Spain and the UK, received an exclusive trip to visit the cava and wine producer Pere Ventura Family Estates.
For me, trying the different varietals in a Land Rover on the way to Can Bas was an experience I won’t forget!
The two day trip took the group of top wine women to Penedés and Priorat, the quality DO’s in the province of Catalunya, Spain, where they visited Can Bas, Cavas Pere Ventura and Merum Priorati.
Emma Denney, Head Sommelier at Claridges’ and UK Top 100 Sommelier, said, “What surprised me the most, is how Pere Ventura is so focused on the quality of their products and keeping the traditions alive. They are incredibly proud of their wines, their facilities and their people. In all 3 estates we visited, there is so much attention to detail and for their still wine production, all the wines showcase their terroir.”
Virginia García, wine director at Saddle in Madrid, commented, “For me, trying the different varietals in a Land Rover on the way to Can Bas was an experience I won’t forget! Their Cabernets develop great depth, body and fruit character as they age. And Merum Priorat is a treat! The variety of different parcels of vines, the amazing soils and the incredible views make their wine Destí the essence of Priorat using different varietals and showing the masterful work being done in the region.”
Their Cava production is treated just how you would expect a premium champagne to be treated and they are so proud of the Cava traditions that they are able to keep alive.
Pere Ventura Cava was created in 1992 by Mr. Pere Ventura in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia (Barcelona). His family’s estates and wineries were soon extended to include the wineries of Can Bas, DO Penedés, and Merum Prioirati, DO Priorat which comprise some of the most authentic, quality cavas and still wines from the two regions. According to Denney, “Their Cava production is treated just how you would expect a premium champagne to be treated and they are so proud of the Cava traditions that they are able to keep alive. ”
The certainly bonded and enjoyed their experience, as Noémie Favrat, Head Sommelier, l’Atelier J. Robouchon, London stated, “I feel very lucky to have spent 2 days sharing delicious wine and knowledge with great sommeliers. It was my first time in Catalunya, I wasn’t disappointed at all and I will definitely be back.”
Top 5 female sommeliers’ Cava recommendations
Pere Ventura Cava 2016 Brut Gran Reserva: “Showing perfect balance between fresh almond, briochy notes, vanilla custard, acacia honey and its delicious, yet very well integrated bubbles. Beautiful complexity. Blind tasting, we could easily confused it with a Champagne.” Noémie Favrat
Pere Ventura Cava Brut Tresor Cuvée Barrique Gran Reserva: (Xarel.lo/Chardonnay blend, 36 months ageing) “A very creamy texture. Ripe peach, dried almond, smoky and briochy notes. It feels very smooth and delicate.” Noémie Favrat
Pere Ventura Cava Gran Vintage Paraje Calificado Can Bas: “Quite unique. A serious cava to be enjoyed with great food or a big celebrations. A real priviledge to taste a Paraje Calificado, making it even more special” Virginia García
Pere Ventura Gran Reserva Rosado: ” A complex wine. 100% Trepat and full of character and the ageing benefits the wine.” Virginia García
“A lot of strawberries, raspberries and cherries with a creamy and spicy nose. Elegant bubbles and structure.” Noémie Favrat
