Chenin 2023 | Amoise (Hawkes Bay, NZ)

This Chenin Blanc offers a rich, textural experience with vibrant tropical fruit notes, crisp Granny Smith apple acidity, and a hint of saline on the finish. It's a perfect match for white fish, oysters, mussels, and goat cheese. Grown with care at the renowned Two Terraces vineyard in the Mangatahi Terraces, the grapes were in their third year of organic conversion under the stewardship of Ian and Linda Quinn.

The grapes were foot-crushed and soaked overnight to enhance texture, then whole bunch pressed into amphora (Tinaja). A natural vineyard starter fermented the wine in the vineyard itself, ensuring a strong, healthy fermentation with natural yeast. The wine is unfined, unfiltered, and crafted without any additives.

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​.