Meet Your Somm: Fernanda López

In her role as sommelier for the legendary Bodega La Rural, home to Rutini, Fernanda López – who trained at EAS – travels all over Argentina and Uruguay, sharing her wealth of knowledge. She also teaches at Mausi Sebess culinary school and if she could be a wine, Fernanda would be a Château d’Yquem.

What was your last pairing recommendation?

A shrimp risotto with brie paired with a complex Rutini Chardonnay.

What did you drink last night?

Last night I had an elegant, deep and harmonious Malbec from Uco Valley.

What’s your favourite wine region in the world and why?

Cafayate, where they make high-altitude wines such as Torrontés, which is one of my special wines.

What do you love most about your job?

My constant interaction with people, talking to them, teaching them about wines and about pairing wines and foods.

Name a gem in your personal cellar?

A Felipe Rutini Blend from 1994.

What’s the best thing that ever happened to you as a somm?

One of the best things was sharing a lunch and wine tasting with masters like Mariano Di Paola and Paul Hobbs.

If you were a wine, you’d be…

A Château d’Yquem, complex, sweet, elegant  and unctuous. I  ove this wine for desserts and by contrast, with blue cheese and foie gras.