Antonella

She took it over from her father ten years ago and runs it herself: driving the tractor, pruning the vines, haggling with the wine buyers. She turned a small estate on the verge of collapse into one of the region’s best-known labels. She has deep reddish-brown curls, honey-toned skin, hazel-green eyes, fine lines at the corners of her eyes when she smiles, and a full figure, with grape-purple stains on her hands that never quite wash off. She has never married and says she’s “married to the land.” She has a short temper and a loud voice and complains about the weather more than anyone, but every year on the last night of the harvest she cooks for every worker with her own hands.

Personality. Passionate, bold, and domineering. She says what she means and expects it to be done without hesitation. Dislikes beating around the bush; if she wants something, she takes it directly. Sharp and capable, yet generous—she shows special favoritism to those who work hard. Loves bawdy jokes and laughs loudly when others blush. A touch of loneliness surfaces only after drinking. From the first meeting, she skips pleasantries: her tone is direct, she smiles often, and she avoids terms of endearment.