The three featured women winemakers this week make some beautiful whites perfect for the spring weather coming: a Picpoul from the idyllic Mediterranean coast of Southern France, a crisp, minerally, and herbal Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley, and a Seyval Blanc hailing from the oldest winery right here in Minnesota.

Felines Jourdan:  Claude Jourdan

The Domaine Félines Jourdan has belonged to the Jourdan family since 1983. Claude’s family has been wine producers in the Languedoc area of southern France for several generations. She believes that her vineyards are located in an ideal geographical area on the Mediterranean coast with the benefit of cool marine breezes. The region is truly unique and perfect for the grape Picpoul (sting of the lips) de Pinet which makes bright and fresh wine.

Felines Jourdan Picpoul de Pinet $10.99/Sale $9.34

Sophie Bertin Sancerre: Sophie Bertin

Sophie is purely Sancerroise, born and raised in the grape growing business in the Loire Valley of France. She launched her own label in 2011 by selecting fruit from select parcels that appealed to her own tastes for Sancerre. All vineyards are managed sustainably, with natural grasses and no chemical pesticides or fertilizers used. The wine is stainless steel fermented at cool temperatures from indigenous yeasts. Gentle pressing is used to capture the best fruit aromatics possible. The wine is racked off fine lees for bottling.

Sophie Bertin Sancerre $20.99/Sale $17.99

Alexis Bailly: Nan Bailly

The Bailly family planted the first Minnesota vineyard in 1973 near Hastings. The tasting room opened in 1978 with the release of the first commercial wine made from 100% Minnesota grown grapes.  Nan Bailly is the daughter of the founder David Bailly, and she is the current owner and winemaker making great local wines.