April, 2010

10 years ago, the winemaker Cecilia Padilla joined Cono Sur and since then has been firmly committed to Isla Negra wines. Her curiosity, intuition and passion for good wine have encourage her creativity to be adventurous in experimenting with rare varieties and blends, and to give each of Isla Negra range unique characteristics, so that they become the best examples of the attractive qualities of the New World.

Have you always wanted to be winemaker?
Actually, no. I new I wanted to be an agronomist, as I’ve always loved countryside and nature, but I got to know winemaking when I first started studying it. Obviously I wasn’t wrong, because I love it and it’s my biggest passion.

Do you think that being a woman influence your winemaking vision?
I think the connection you have with your senses is more direct when you are a woman, and that helps a lot when deciding the special signature you’ll give the wine you’re creating.

What satisfies you most about your profession?
Constantly playing with your senses when you’re creating a product that carries your very essence.

Which words would you choose to describe Isla Negra Wines?
Youth, spark, juicyness, elegance and power.

Which range of Isla Negra Wines identifies you more? Why?
Isla Negra High Tide, for it gives me more possibilities to let my imagination fly free.

Is there any variety you prefer to work with?
I think Sauvignon Blanc is by far the most delicate and therefore the variety that needs more care, but it’s also the noblest, as in its fermentation process it will never give you any unpleasant surprises.

And any one you like the most?
I’m usually more of a white wine person. I lean towards the subtlety of a rich nose and a round, juicy, fresh mouth.

Where do you see your career is heading?
In the short term, I’d like to consolidate myself as a Top Woman Winemaker of these new generations.