Natalie Christensen is the chief winemaker at Yealands Wine Group in Marlborough, New Zealand. Named by The Drinks Business as one of the World's Most Influential Women in Wine in 2018, she joined the Yealands team in 2015 and became chief winemaker in 2018.
We spoke with Natalie for our Women Winemakers Q&A series about Sauvignon Blanc from the Awatere Valley, the magic of her Pinot Noir, her advice for women building a career in wine and her favorite pairings.
Sauvignon Blanc and an Unexpected Path
As Chief Winemaker at Yealands, is there a style of Sauvignon Blanc you aim to produce?
My main aim with Sauvignon Blanc is to really let the site and season shine, so I let our beautiful coastal vineyard site drive the style. Being based in the Awatere Valley in Marlborough, which is a bit cooler and drier than the Wairau Valley, our Sauvignon Blanc tends to be intense, with an elegant, mineral texture.
Not too many people can claim a graduate degree in Oenology, a Master of Science, and a Bachelor of Music, in addition to being a classically trained double bass player. What else might people be surprised to know about your path to Chief Winemaker?
Not sure if it helped on my way to being Chief Winemaker... but I hosted the best birthday party last year for my elderly cat named Baa! I had a sweet sixteen party for her and it was next level. A friend made a cake in the shape of a fish (for human consumption - it was a salted caramel and chocolate cake!) and we had a load of decorations and beautiful wine and food. Friends dressed up in their best cat t-shirts or animal print and we celebrated in style. I think Baa had a good time too :) I love animals - I also have two chickens (silver laced Wyandottes) called Ellen and Portia.
Pinot Noir and Advice for Women in Wine
Most people think of Sauvignon Blanc when they think of New Zealand wine, but your Pinots blew our team away. In two words, can you sum up the magic of your Pinot Noir?
Two words... Velvety deliciousness!
You've spoken about the importance of mentoring other women in the wine industry; what is one piece of advice you give to women looking to make a career in wine?
Be brave and have a go! I think as women we quite often second guess ourselves and we like to be fully equipped and prepared before we put our hands up for something that we really want. Life is an adventure, and it is when we step out into the unknown (that space that makes you nervous and your tummy feel funny) that magic and growth happens.
Pairings and Her Cellar
What is your can't-fail food and wine pairing?
Sauvignon Blanc from our coastal vineyard, aptly named Seaview Vineyard, has a beautiful salty, minerality to it. It is a foolproof pairing with anything from the ocean. It goes especially well with oysters and our local New Zealand delicacy, green lipped mussels.
If we were to take a cellar dive into your personal wine collection, what would we find?
Lots of Gamay Noir... I have a thing for Beaujolais. Such a fun and delicious grape variety. We have recently planted some and I can't wait to see how ours looks! I also love German Riesling. Last year I was lucky enough to visit the Mosel and I was blown away by the beauty of the region and the incredible wines. I have a nice spread of bits and bobs from all over, but Riesling and Gamay feature heavily.
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