International Women's Day brings with it not a few contradictions every year: on the one hand, it is an occasion to celebrate the achievements of the female gender on a political, social and cultural level. On the other hand, it also reflects how long and full of obstacles the road to achieving real gender equality is.
How best to celebrate, bearing in mind this complex, ongoing struggle? During a dinner, an aperitif or a simple outing, the ideal is to do it with friends, even better if in the company of a good bottle.
Here are 5 wines for International Women's Day, to drink to take a dive into the Italian wine scene and support the 'female' wineries that produced them!
International Women's Day, between history and legend
Although the origins of International Women's Day can be traced back to a tragic fire that occurred on 25 March 1911 at the Triangle Shirtwaist Company blouse factory, it was not this event that marked the birth of the anniversary.
The first real International Women's Day dates back to 23 February 1909, in honour of the demonstrations by socialists for universal suffrage in the United States.
The later change of date to 8 March is attributed to the February Revolution of 1911 in Russia, which led to the abdication of the Tsar and on which many women took to the streets in protest. The date was later officially confirmed by the UN in 1977 as International Women's Rights Day.
It is therefore an anniversary of enormous historical and social importance, even though it has not sanctioned total gender equality in both the social and professional spheres.
The seed of the revolution has nevertheless been planted: in the world of wine - traditionally based on male-dominated entrepreneurship - there are more and more companies in which women play leading roles.
And what better way to support them than by drinking five wines born out of their passion for oenology?
1. Chianti Classico: grit and elegance for Women's Day
Celebrating International Women's Day does not only mean remembering women's successes or difficulties, but also admiring the courage of those who knew how to fight for their rights. Anyone wishing to raise a glass in honour of these figures can only start with a gritty and intense wine, such as Chianti Classico, an all-Tuscan pride, but now famous throughout the world.
For delicious wine pairings and a dinner with friends based on meat dishes - such as traditional Cottage Pie, a slice of roast beef or some Toad in the Hole - it is always a good idea to uncork a full-bodied red, such as a 'Villa Antinori' Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2021.
The sensory impact it gives is inimitable: its ruby red colour is a joy to the eyes, while the olfactory examination reveals heady notes of red fruits - raspberries, cherries and currants - with a woody undertone that seems to tell the story of its ageing. The intense tannicity is mitigated by refreshing tones, which win over the palate and make the tasting less complex.
No less noteworthy is its provenance: the Tenuta Tignanello. Alongside Marchese Pietro Antinori, it is in fact his daughters Albiera, Allegra and Alessia who run the company, with competence, experience and enormous passion for the world of wine, thus demonstrating that tradition and innovation can go hand in hand!
2. Gewürztraminer: one of the best wines for 8 March dinner
In a world marked by revolutions and innovations, gender struggles do not always lead to the desired results. But women's desire to emerge and their quest for independence continues, even in the world of wine. These values are well symbolised by a glass of Gewürztraminer.
This aromatic white wine from Trentino-Alto Adige is a must for an evening with friends, especially if delicious seafood dishes are served on the table, from fried appetisers (such as the inevitable fish and chips) to fish salads, from smoked salmon to grilled shellfish. It also goes well with roast chicken or a slice of duck in orange, as well as with ethnic food with spicy notes, such as a tasty dish of spicy Phall.
In the wine cellar that bears her name and in which she works alongside her daughters Julia and Karoline, the entrepreneur Elena Walch presents diners with an excellent Gewürztraminer Alto Adige DOC 2022, characterised by a brilliant yellow colour, shot through with elegant golden hues. On the nose, it is a true revelation, thanks to a wealth of aromas that leaves one speechless: notes of roses, tropical fruits and spices chase each other in the glass, creating an intense olfactory experience. On the palate it is no less impressive, thanks to its remarkable body and freshness, making it one of the best wines to celebrate Women's Day!
3. Etna Rosato: female entrepreneurship told by the fragrances of Sicily
Among the names of all the women who have innovated the world of wine, that of Gabriella Anca Rallo stands out. In the 1970s, she gave up her job as a teacher to dedicate herself to wine, in a Sicily brought to its knees by the Belìce Earthquake.
Today he manages the Donnafugata winery with enterprise and passion, which celebrates the courage and resourcefulness of women, even in the face of adversity.
Her work - in which she is supported by her family - can be appreciated by uncorking, for example, a bottle of 'Sul Vulcano' Etna Rosato DOC 2021.
Elegant and perfumed, this wine is an excellent companion for a feminine evening, and certainly not because of its delicate pink hue, which - it is always the case to reiterate - is a colour that has no gender! Instead, it is its fresh and lively spirit that makes it perfect for a winning combination of International Women's Day and wine. The citrus notes of grapefruit, sweetened by hints of plum, welcome a hint of minerality, which beautifully accompanies a dinner or lunch of sushi or sashimi, as well as tasty aperitifs composed of rustic vegetarian dishes, grilled vegetables or delicious cheeses.
4. Women's Day and wine: a winning combination, thanks to Prosecco
Focussing more on commemoration than celebration, International Women's Day can, however, also welcome moments of levity, making it an excellent excuse to take time for oneself, perhaps over an aperitif or dinner with friends.
When one speaks of lightness, freshness and fun, the step that leads to bubbles is a short one. In this case, among the bottles that best reflect the spirit of this occasion is 'Alice' Con. Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Dry, a wine that originates from a female entrepreneurial reality and brings to the glass all the passion that Cinzia Canzian - founder of Le Vigne di Alice - nurtures for wine.
A passion that shines through in the intense and heady aromatic notes of flowers and white-fleshed fruit, including peach and pear, with hints of acacia. On the palate, this Prosecco is fruity and delicate, enlivened by a pleasant freshness, ideal for seafood appetisers and finger food, fresh cheeses, or - for those who would also like to enjoy it at lunch or dinner - to be drunk with fish first and second courses.
5. Girls' night out with wine: Moscato d'Asti takes care of dessert!
Even after the most hearty lunches or the most satisfying dinners, the stomach always has room for dessert. Those looking for an excellent end-of-meal wine can opt for Moscato d'Asti 'Zagara' DOCG 2022.
Among its most striking traits is the perfect balance between sweetness and acidity, which helps to mitigate its sweetness. It is impossible to resist its intense, bewitching aromas of apricot and peach, with delicate hints of orange blossom, to be enjoyed with desserts of various kinds, from spicy and fruit pies to tasty, soft puddings, not forgetting of course the delicious chocolate desserts.
Responsible for this aromatic masterpiece is the historic Piedmontese winery Marchesi di Barolo, in which Anna Abbona, who carries on the family tradition with great commitment together with her husband and children, plays a major role.
Now that you know how to celebrate International Women's Day, don't miss the best offers in Svinando's catalogue!