Pioneering Argentina-based winemaker Susana Balbo has been honored with the esteemed Decanter Hall of Fame award for 2024, joining a distinguished list of individuals who have significantly impacted the wine industry.
Balbo has played a crucial role in boosting Argentina’s global standing for exceptional wines and is celebrated as the ‘Queen of Torrontés’ for her contributions to this grape variety.
Currently leading her own Susana Balbo Wines, she made history as the first female winemaker in South America.
‘Susana Balbo didn’t just break the glass ceiling for women in South America, she completely shattered it, becoming a role model for generations to follow,’ writes Amanda Barnes in a special feature in Decanter magazine’s October 2024 issue.
‘Regardless of her gender, she has remarkably reached outstanding milestones – overcoming challenges that often seem unimaginable along the journey.’
Balbo had originally planned to pursue a career in nuclear physics, but fate steered her towards winemaking, where she excelled and graduated at the top of her class, according to Barnes, the author of the South America Wine Guide.
After triumphing over 88 male candidates to land her first position at Michel Torino, Balbo relocated to the secluded mountain village of Cafayate and transformed the local wine industry – personally hauling supplies across the perilous Andean pass when truck drivers declined to do so.
‘She constantly pushed herself to advance, and she continues to make progress today,’ remarked Mariano di Paolo, who collaborated with Balbo at Bodegas Esmeralda (now Catena Zapata) in the early 1990s.
‘It is only when you are challenged in life that you can realise certain talents,’ Balbo told Barnes in an interview. ‘I believe things happen for a reason.’
While Balbo contributed greatly to premium white wines in Argentina, she is a big fan of reds and named Cabernet Sauvignon her favourite grape variety to work with – even above Malbec.
Alongside winemaking, she has been president and vice-president of trade body Wines of Argentina. She also served as a Congresswoman for Mendoza and was chair of W20 (Women20) for the G20 summit in 2018.
Part of Balbo’s work is now to ensure that the family business can be handed over to her children, Ana and José, and the wider team, in order to continue to thrive.
‘I feel very privileged to have grown up being taught by her that there are no limits to what you can do,’ said Ana, who manages tourism at the group’s winery, three restaurants and luxury hotel.
‘But she also taught us to focus on others – if the community doesn’t grow around the winery, there is no point to it.’
Pascaline Lepeltier and Nathan Kendall, with whom she produces wine under the chëpìka label. Photo credit: Christina Rasmussen.
Decanter has also announced that this year’s Rising Star award goes to Pascaline Lepeltier, the talented sommelier and author working to improve wine’s environmental and social impact.
Lepeltier has been honoured as the fourth recipient of the Rising Star award, which aims to celebrate emerging talent in the wine industry.
She is already acknowledged as one of the leading sommeliers globally and has recently published her debut solo work, Mille Vignes, as highlighted by Christina Rasmussen in a special feature in Decanter magazine’s October 2024 edition.
The English translation, One Thousand Vines, is set to be launched in the UK in October (£45, Mitchell Beazley).
Decanter contributing editor Andrew Jefford remarked: ‘Mille Vignes is a remarkable collection of insights – not just about wine itself but its surrounding culture, presented with an encyclopaedic ambition and academic precision: she has meticulously followed every reference, every connection.’
‘Pascaline has shared the depth of her remarkable knowledge with us, embodying the generous spirit she is known for. This book on wine is not only immensely enjoyable but also exciting and original – a true accomplishment from an exceptional figure in the global wine scene.’
Lepeltier pursued philosophy at Nantes University in France, but her passion for wine blossomed after she encountered Patrick Rigourd, the head wine merchant at Des Halles et des Gourmets, located in Angers.
This newfound interest inspired her to obtain a second Master’s degree in hospitality management, along with a sommelier diploma, all while completing an internship at chef Jacques Thorel’s L’Auberge Bretonne.
‘As a child, I didn’t dine in restaurants with my parents; my exposure to the world of gastronomy came during my internship,’ Lepeltier expressed to Rasmussen in Decanter magazine.
‘I became captivated by flavor and the influence of the palate, viewing it as an anthropological exploration.’
Working in vineyards alongside winemakers Mark Angeli from Ferme de la Sansonnière and Nicolas Joly fueled Lepeltier’s enthusiasm for organics and biodynamics.
After taking on the role of beverage director for Rouge Tomate in New York in 2009, Lepeltier crafted one of the world’s most renowned wine lists, as noted by Rasmussen.
She later collaborated with winemaker Nathan Kendall to establish the chëpìka label, drawing from the historical hybrid grape varieties of Delaware, Catawba, and Concord, native to New York state.
Lepeltier earned the title of Best Sommelier of France in 2018 and is set to participate in the International Sommelier Association’s (ASI) Best Sommelier of Europe, Africa & Middle East competition in November 2024. Last year, he achieved a commendable fourth place in the ‘World’ contest.