Only a few trailblazing female winemakers are opening doors in a sector that men currently dominate. For instance, according to WineBid, only 10% of winemakers in California were women in 2011; by 2020, that number would only have increased to 14%. This number might differ in other parts of the world but only slightly. Although women are natural directors, only a few of those directors are in the vineyards. Therefore, meeting Chief Winemaker Mercedes García Rupérez of Bodegas Montecillo was inspiring and refreshing.
Even though Bodegas Montecillo has 150 years of history and tradition in Rioja, Mercedes has worked for this Bodega for the past 15 years. Mercedes García Rupérez has a background in enology. Moreover, she is passionate about wnemaking because her family has roots in winemaking. She has worked previously in Chile and other Spanish Bodegas before joining Montecillo. Under her leadership, Montecillo has transformed its approach to the Rioja classics and added new Vino de Autor categories.
In this regard, learning to innovate has been Mercedes’ most incredible evolutionary difficulty. As a result, she has spent considerable time concentrating on the viticultural aspects, choosing small plots, and collaborating with Montecillo vine farmers more closely.
With the help of her technical team, she has created a refreshed line that continues the brand’s and the region’s traditions while also being able to transcend them and communicate its deeply ingrained regional identity more stylishly and distinctively.
This endeavor has started to captivate today’s wine enthusiasts, a winery’s century-old skill and affection for the land are required. Nonetheless, Mercedes deeply understands the Rioja standards and classics. Under her eye, their Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva continue that legacy, and quality Montecillo has known in Rioja for the past 150 years.
Recently, I had the opportunity to meet her personally in New York and what a wonderful and inspiring experience. She is humble but yet very knowledgeable about one, if not the most important wine region of Spain, Rioja.
Meet the Winemaker: Mercedes García Rupérez
Martha Cisneros Paja is an Engineer, Cava Educator and WSET Level 2 certified, founder of Latinas Wine Club Inc. and author of Mexican Wines: A guide to Fall in Love with Wines of Mexico . Read more about one of the most hard-working Latinas in Wine here.
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