We're always looking at wines to add to our bar carts or cabinets and it's a no-brainer when the aesthetic of the bottle is just as lovely as the wine itself. We took some time to sit down with Andrea Brambila, winemaker at Chloe to find out more about how she came to the industry, learning more about Chloe, and the collaboration that they did with accessory designer and lifestyle brand, Lele Sadoughi.
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you realize that you wanted to be a winemaker?
ANDREA BRAMBILA: I have been in the wine industry for over 20 years and have been head winemaker of Chloe Wine Collection for the last several years. I love everything about the wine and the brand. I was always drawn to the blend of art and chemistry in winemaking and enjoy the unique challenges each vintage brings.
AM: Can you tell us a bit about the ethos of the brand, Chloe?
AB: The Chloe Wine Collection is built on the ethos of creating high-quality, thoughtfully crafted wines that reflect the passion, artistry, and dedication of the winemaking process. We emphasize a commitment to producing elegant, approachable wines that cater to a range of palates while maintaining a focus on quality.
AM: What can you tell us about the portfolio of Chloe?
AB: In our winemaking, we strive to produce the best representation of the varietal. It’s truly the classic style. I spend a lot of time working with the local growers whether that’s in Northern Italy for our Pinot Grigio or in the cooler, coastal climate of Monterey County for our Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to Marlborough, New Zealand for our Sauvignon Blanc.
AM: Tell us why it is important that you engage in traditional winemaking when it comes to making this portfolio of wines and what is the process?
AB: Engaging in traditional winemaking is crucial for us because it allows us to honor and respect the rich history and craftsmanship that has shaped the wine industry over centuries. The process is not just about making wine, but about respecting time-tested techniques, the land, and the heritage that comes with each bottle. By utilizing traditional methods, we ensure that every wine tells a story - of the soil, the climate, and the hands that have worked the vines. This means focusing on quality, balance, and finesse in every step, from hand-picking the grapes to carefully controlling fermentation. Our process embraces both the old and the new, creating wines that are timeless yet sophisticated, and that truly reflect our passion for creating something exceptional.
AM: Can you speak on cultivation, fermentation, and aging of wines and what those techniques are?
AB: The Chloe Pinot Grigio is bright and classic and is fermented in 100% stainless steel tanks, delivering fresh, fruit-forward flavors with mouthwatering acidity, balanced minerality, and pure panache.
The Chloe Pinot Noir is elegant, and complex. It’s cold-soaked, cool-fermented, and aged in French oak, offering a plush mouthfeel, balanced texture, and a rich, satisfying finish.
AM: As a winemaker who spends time with local growers in Northern Italy as well as in Monterey County, CA - what takes place here and why is it important for you to be part of these steps in winemaking?
AB: Spending time with local growers in both Northern Italy and Monterey County allows me to connect deeply with the land and understand the unique characteristics of each region. The collaboration with these growers is essential because it gives me insight into the specific terroirs, climates, and farming practices that shape into the specific terroirs, climates, and farming practices that shape the wines. By being directly involved in these steps, I bring that knowledge back to our winery, ensuring it influences each varietal expression and translates into wines that reflect both the distinctiveness of their origin and our commitment to quality.
AM: How did the collaboration between CHLOE and Lele Sadoughi come about?
AB: Pairing Chloe Wines with Lele Sadoughi was a natural fit, as her feminine aesthetic and iconic bow designs mirror the essence of the Chloe Wine Collection and its signature label bow. This collaboration marks Chloe's first with a fashion designer and Lele's first with a wine brand.
AM: The bottles for both of these wines are a departure from the ones that are associated with the brand. Can you tell us about the LTO design process and why you wanted the bottles to be this way?
AB: The design reflects the beauty of the wines and celebrates what our bow signifies: high-quality wines from the most pre-eminent wine regions around the world. The oblong glass vessel resembles a perfume bottle with elegant-curved shoulders, which directly reflects the experience we want our drinkers to have when enjoying the wine - an elevated, premium, and luxurious experience.
AM: In looking at the bottles, they are so appealing to work with. What are 3 items that you would pair with the Pinot Grigio as well as the Pinot Noir as we begin to plan meals at our homes this season?
AB: Our Chloe x Lele Pinot Grigio pairs well with light, fresh dishes. Here are three great options:
• Grilled Shrimp or Branzino – The crisp acidity of the Chloe Pinot Grigio complements the delicate flavors of seafood, especially grilled shrimp or grilled branzino.
• Fresh Salads – A Caesar wedge salad enhances the refreshing notes of the Chloe Pinot Grigio.
• Parmesan Risotto – Chloe Pinot Grigio’s crispness and citrus notes pair beautifully with the richness of a classic Parmesan Risotto.
Our Chloe x Lele Pinot Noir is a versatile red wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are three of my favorite options:
• Rosemary & Thyme Roasted Chicken – The light tannins and fruity notes of the Chloe Pinot Noir will complement these savory flavors.
• Grilled Salmon – The acidity in our Chloe Pinot Noir and subtle earthy flavors pair wonderfully with the richness of grilled salmon or other fatty fish.
• Pasta ai Fungi – Chloe Pinot Noir’s earthy undertones make it a great match for dishes featuring mushrooms.
Now that we know more about Chloe, the brand, and their collaboration with Lele Sadoughi, it's time that we talk with this accessory designer to find out about her brand that has been styled in our editorials, how she came to the brand, and more!
AM: When did you realize that you wanted to be an accessory designer, and do you remember the first piece that you designed?
LELE SADOUGHI: I started my career in ready to wear managing pattern makers. I would get creative projects to paint and bead panels, and knew I loved working with the details. I started to design trims at Rebecca Taylor, so picked out all the buttons, ribbons, and bows that adorn outfits. This led me to designing jewelry for many companies including Banana Republic, Tory Burch, and launching the jewelry at J. Crew.
For the first accessory I designed, I remember making a ribbon necklace with bleached wooden beads for Banana Republic. Thousands of them were produced. My most viral design is the bubble necklace I made for J Crew, when it was all about layering necklaces and wearing a statement piece.
AM: Where do you look to in terms of inspiration for the next collection that you create?
LS: Inspiration for my designs comes from all around me—nature, art, culture, and even everyday life. I’m constantly looking for beauty in unexpected places: color combinations in a painting, the texture of a material, or the patterns found in natural landscapes. I love traveling, and each place I visit brings a new wave of creative energy. Above all, my inspiration often comes from the emotions I want to evoke. Whether it’s empowerment, joy, or a sense of nostalgia, I aim to create pieces that connect with people on a deeper level.
AM: I've had the pleasure of styling photoshoots and including your brand in these editorials! As someone who loves accessories, what does accessorizing mean to you and how do you feel it compliments your identity?
LS: Accessories give the ability to showcase personal style on top of a well-dressed outfit. There’s nothing better than putting together an outfit that makes you feel feminine and confident and adding an accessory like a headband, sunglasses or a bow to complete the look and elevate it that much more. Adding an accessory is like treating yourself to a little luxury, and putting a bow on this fabulous Chloe Pinot Grigio bottle is doing just that.
AM: The Chloe bottle is gorgeous! Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the bottle and elevating their iconic Chloe bow?
LS: I was very honored to work with Chloe to create the perfect accessory for them. They came to me with this stunning, super luxurious perfume bottle-styled bottle and asked me to celebrate the signature bow on the label and hero the quality of the wine in the bottle. So, I designed a handmade, double layer silken bow to accent the limited-edition Chloe Wine Collection bottle, so this new beautiful shape can stand out amongst its neighbors. The elegance of the perfume-like shaped bottle evoked such femininity, and adorning it with this chic, luxurious black silken bow was the ultimate finishing touch. Not only is the limited-edition Chloe bottle visually exquisite, but the taste is also perfect for sipping. The bottle serves as a great collector’s piece that will sit pretty, even next to your Lele accessories.
AM: How do you make the everyday seem a bit more luxurious especially as we continue to navigate the Spring and begin to embrace the Summer?
LS: Every day should be luxurious, joyous, celebratory and over the top. Maybe it’s the thrill of adding a bold accessory to compliment an outfit, or even something as simple as pouring yourself a glass of your Chloe wine. To be able to showcase personality through luxurious bows and accessories is a great way to celebrate style, the art of living and enjoying life!
AM: You recently launched your one-of-a-kind Floral Boutique Collection! Are there additional launches and collaborations that we can keep an eye out for?
LS: We are always working in new collection drops. We have a surprise drop of rainbow colored crystal headbands coming soon. Also, every spring we drop a collection using Liberty of London prints as well as an Americana collection just in time for the summer.
IG @chloewine
PHOTOS COURTESY | Chloe Wine
Read the APR ISSUE #112 of Athleisure Mag and see FINE + DIVINE in mag.
