Raising a Glass to Trailblazing Women: A Candid Chat with Charlotte Allen for IWD ‘25
In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, we had the pleasure of speaking with Charlotte Allen, the passionate winemaker behind Alma Roja. Nestled in Spain’s Arribes del Duero, near Zamora and on the border with Portugal, Alma Roja is producing unique wines that both honour tradition and break boundaries. We uncorked two of her exceptional wines while discussing her journey, philosophy, and the challenges and joys of working with rare grape varieties.
A Journey to the “Arse End of Nowhere”
Charlotte’s path to winemaking in Spain was anything but conventional. Originally set on making wine in the Rhône Valley, her plans took a turn when she became involved in sourcing wine for Sweden’s state-run liquor monopoly. A conversation over lunch led her to Arribes, a remote region that even Spaniards refer to as “the arse end of nowhere.” Drawn by its untapped potential, she stayed —and two decades later, she’s still there, tending to her vineyards and crafting exceptional wines.
Embracing the Unexpected: Working with 20 Grape Varieties
Unlike many modern vineyards that focus on a few key varieties, Charlotte found herself working with over 20 different grapes, many of which are nearly forgotten. “No sane person would set out to make wine with 20 different varieties” she laughs. But rather than fighting it, she embraced the challenge, committed to preserving the diversity that makes her wines so special.
Among these is Juan García, the main variety in Arribes, which she describes as both fascinating and incredibly difficult to work with— much like Pinot Noir. “Some of the greatest wines in the world are made from Pinot Noir,” she says, “but it’s a real pain in the arse. No pain, no gain.”
The Evolution of a Wine in the Glass
Charlotte’s wines don’t reveal everything at once. “I like wines that take you by the hand and say, ‘Let’s go for a walk”. She explains that her wines need time to open up in the glass, gradually revealing layers of fruit, spice, and the wild herbaceous notes characteristic of the region’s garrigue.
This slow reveal is a direct result of the grape varieties she works with. Unlike Garnacha, which is highly oxidative, many of her native grapes are reductive, requiring a completely different winemaking approach. “You have to change the chip in your brain” she says, “but it makes for wines that evolve beautifully with air.”
A Winemaking Philosophy Rooted in Place
While many winemakers adapt their styles to market trends, Charlotte’s approach remains grounded in one principle: make the best wine possible with what she has. “Trends come and go” she notes, “but my job is to bring out the best in each grape variety.”
She acknowledges that wine fashion has shifted from the bold, oak-driven wines of the past to lighter, lower-alcohol styles. But she refuses to force her wines into a mould that doesn’t suit them. “Some grape varieties just aren’t meant to be picked at low alcohol levels. They won’t taste right. My responsibility is to the grapes and the land, first and foremost.”
Breaking the Norm, One Bottle at a Time
At a time when Spanish wine still leans heavily towards big, bold reds, Charlotte’s wines stand out for their elegance and complexity. She’s not afraid to challenge expectations, whether through her use of rare varieties, minimal intervention techniques, or the patience required to let her wines unfold over time.
As we sip her vibrant, textured wines, it’s clear that Alma Roja is more than just a winery — it’s a testament to the power of curiosity, resilience, and an unshakable commitment to authenticity. And in an industry still largely dominated by men, Charlotte’s success is a reminder that great wine is made by those willing to forge their own path.
Here’s to women winemakers, bold choices, and wines that tell a story. Cheers!
We are thrilled to be sharing Besos & Cielos in our April box — a wonderful expression of Charlotte’s passion and dedication.
