Honoring Women in Wine:
Reece on risking it all for a grand adventure
“Winemaking changes with the seasons. Don’t be afraid to change with it.”
It was love at first taste when she tried American Zinfandel. So much so that Montse moved 5,912 miles from home to become a champion of the distinct reds of Dry Creek Valley.
Leaving Spain for Sonoma, Montse earned her stripes in the Pedroncelli family, becoming only the third winemaker in the iconic winery’s 90+ year history and the first without the namesake.
While she’s found a home with a big winemaking family, she wasn’t born into one, so she never thought she’d see her own name on a label. With Angel support, Montse is bringing her own wines to the table — with the flavors, sense of place, and food-friendliness all reminiscent of growing up in Catalonia.
1. How did you get your start in wine?
I am originally from Catalonia, Spain. I grew up in a culture where wine is part of daily life, and that’s where I learned to appreciate it!
2. Where are you in your career now?
I studied winemaking at Rovira i Virgili University in Tarragona and graduated in 1998. After working in Spain (Penedes and Conca the Barbera) as a winemaker for 4 years, I moved to the USA in 2001. I fell in love with Zinfandel!
3. How do Naked Angels empower you as a winemaker?
When Angels send their comments sharing their tasting experiences, it is tremendously satisfying. Their feedback helps me understand what wine drinkers enjoy the most.
4. What’s a BIG lesson you’ve learned along the way?
Wines are very personal. I make an effort to always showcase the varietal and make the wine approachable.
5. What’s the message you have for other winemakers?
Winemaking changes with the seasons. Don’t be afraid to change with it. It’s a beautiful cycle and the result is a very personal product that holds your work and passion.
Follow Montse Reece on Naked Wines