Behind the vine

Diletta Cavalleri - Cavalleri - Franciacorta, Italy

When do you think you fell in love with wine, enough to make a career of it?

I grew up running in the vineyard and going into the winery and it was something magical for me. As the winery itself was dark with soft light, it seemed like a secret place where magic happened. The winery was next to my grandparent's house, so I have lots of memories there. I work with my cousin and we both grew up always being involved in the winery.

At a certain point I refused to go there for work because I thought: 'I am not a copy of my mother'. Luckily, she was open-minded. I got to go off and I studied business in Milan and then I went to London and studied contemporary art. At a certain point, I had to decide the path I would take, and I chose to go back because I knew it was my job.

What story does your wine tell?

A lot of our story is a story of Franciacorta and my grandfather. Franciacorta is a recent area of production. My grandfather understood the importance of where you have the vineyard and how you work it. He planted the acres and fell in love with Chardonnay grapes. At the end of 70s, he started and built it up. My mother, Giulia started in 80s and developed it further. We are focused on producing quality wines. We keep it strict - it’s a small production, everything is done by hand, we have direct relationships with customer. This allows us to make choices in the style of wine that are our preferences. Our wine is our story.

I hope people think it's a clean, healthy wine and I hope people understand it's natural, without chemicals. People find our passion in the glass. The passion with which we do this job. We product quality wines that are clean, natural and not something made in a standard way.

What misconceptions about wine do you think people should forget?

Rosé wine are not just for women. Wines are for people and for people with different tastes. Sweet wine can be suitable for men and women.

Because wine is still a man's world, some women think they need to ‘step back’ or think passion for wine is surprising to come from a woman, but there’s no point in thinking that. We can be interested in whatever we want. It's not just a matter of drinking a good wine out to dinner, but is something you're into, it requires time and constant attention, and for women it's always in the context of your other responsibilities. It's so great when you see a woman who knows what she is talking about. Women on a date choosing a wine, can be intimidating, but I hope things will change.

What great things about wine do you think people should remember?

Behind the wine there's a winemaker - a person, it's a part of this person that you're drinking. If you're into wine it would be great to get to know who produces this wine. You should explore a small winery and see their interpretation of that area, that wine. You are more sure that behind a small winery you probably have a family. You can feel the interpretation of the grapes.

Enjoy trying, tasting, discovering new wines. Don't always focus on the name that you know. Never give up for new names and new labels and try, try, try. Then you understand what you're looking for and what's more in balance with you. No right or wrong. If you like it, it's right for you.

What is a piece of advice you would give to a woman interested in breaking into the wine world?

Taste, taste, taste, try everything you can. Don't be afraid to express what you think about wine and to drink what you really like. Because it's not mandatory that a big name / 'best vintage' is the best vintage for you. You don't have to be scared to be on the 'wrong side'. Follow your feelings. Often, during the tasting, your first feeling is the right one. Taste and listen to yourself.

Who is a woman in wine you think everyone should know about?

Giulia Cavalleri my mother, she works as hard as anyone. She always has, even with 3 children. When my grandfather died, she ran the winery by herself, and nobody believed she could do it. Some people thought we'd have to close it, and instead she took our winery to the next level.

Where can women find your wine?

We are mostly in Italy, but you can get in touch directly here.