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By Haley Fortier and Kristie Weiss
Haley Henry Wine Bar,
Downtown Crossing
This curation is now SOLD OUT.
Haley Henry was voted the Boston's best wine bar in 2017 by both Boston Magazine and Improper Bostonian. Known for their eclectic wine list, high-end imported tinned fish, and a hip-hop soundtrack that pumps it out all night long, they're everything that's cool about wine in Boston right now.
In honor of Women's Month, Haley and Kristie select wines from four exceptional female winemakers who are completely unfazed by the industry's gender barriers spanning generations and continents. They didn’t wait for permission—and they're crushing it!
‘Sikele’ Nero d’Avola
Haley calls Nero d’Avola “the grape of Sicily,” owing to its high volume of production on the island. “This wine definitely has tobacco and volcanic ash happening,” she said. “The fruit is dark, dark, dark. But still fresh.” Black cherry, red currant, and wild herbs lend vibrancy to the earthier tones in this wine. Pair this versatile wine with everything from pork tenderloin, to runny cheese or a BLT.
Veronica Ortega ‘Quite’
This wine is “very alive,” Kristie said. Deep, dark currant and blackberry fruit notes are warmed by aromatic spice and a black tea aroma reminiscent of Pinot Noir. Stone minerality and fresh acidity give structure and balance, keeping the wine light on its feet despite its fruit-driven core. Haley and Kristie say this is a perfect pairing with pizza or a hearty dinner of grilled sausage and vegetables.
Parés Baltà ‘Cosmic’
“We started with this wine when we first opened,” Haley said. “There’s a hint of sweetness from the Xarel-lo, but it’s really mineral-driven.” Rich and ripe, the Cosmic still keeps it fresh with zippy minerality and a nose full of lush orchard fruit notes. Kristie and Haley suggest pairing this with any kind of smoked fish, from bagels and lox to bluefish pâté.
Sybille Kuntz Riesling Trocken
“This is like the caffeine of wine,” Kristie said. “You can’t help but wake up when you drink it.” “It’s in-your face,” Haley said. “Like pop rocks on your tongue—a little spark plug of juicy deliciousness.” If that doesn’t make you want to pop the bottle, maybe the hints of effervescence, citrus zest, and ‘flinty’ finish can entice you. Kristie says you’ll love drinking this with fried chicken or charcuterie.
