Amphora Albariño 2023 | Amoise (Hawkes Bay, NZ)

This Albariño bursts with vibrant flavors of passionfruit, white peach, and apricot, complemented by a hint of smokiness. Its saline, refreshing acidity and smooth texture make it a delightfully balanced wine.

When the opportunity arose to work with Albariño from the renowned Two Terraces vineyard, I couldn’t resist. With the exceptional fruit quality cultivated by Ian and Linda Quinn, known for their dedication to soil health, it was a perfect fit.

Hand-harvested whole bunches were de-stemmed and left on the skins for two weeks, with gentle hand plunging and a natural vineyard yeast starter. Biodynamic practices, including soil and canopy treatments, were applied throughout the year. The wine was then aged on its lees in both a large spherical vessel and smaller Tinajas for added complexity.

About the domaine:

Amoise Wines is a boutique winery in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, known for its organic and biodynamic approach to winemaking. Amy Farnsworth, originally from Vancouver, started the label in 2018 after falling in love with New Zealand’s unique terroir. She works closely with local growers, sourcing grapes from regions like Mangatahi Terraces, where the focus is on preserving the vineyard's natural characteristics. Amy’s minimal-intervention philosophy means her wines are made without additives, using natural yeasts to showcase the story of each vineyard. Passionate about sustainable practices, Amy balances winemaking with a deep respect for the land and its ecosystems.

As she puts it, "making wine is the fun part," but the challenges of managing a small operation are real. Supported by her partner Greg and the close-knit wine community, Amy’s wines, including varieties like Chenin Blanc and Gamay Noir, are gaining attention both locally and internationally​.