Chilled Red 2023 | Amoise (Hawkes Bay, NZ)

This Pinot Noir was the first pick from the Two Terraces vineyard in Mangatahi Terraces, Hawke’s Bay, where Ian and Linda Quinn’s exceptional attention to detail ensures top-quality grapes.

After a carbonic maceration, where fermentation occurs inside the whole berries, the wine was pressed into a tank with a beautiful garnet hue. The next day, it unexpectedly poured out a vibrant pink hibiscus color, but revealed a delightful complexity of red currants, strawberries, and pomegranate, with a textured finish.

Ideal for summer, this wine is best enjoyed cold or lightly chilled. It pairs wonderfully with spicy dishes, charcuterie, fish, grilled vegetables, and cheese. With 11.5% alcohol, it makes the perfect picnic wine.

Produced without additives, including sulphur, the wine is unfiltered and unfined. The grapes are certified organic, and biodynamic practices have been used on the vineyard since 2020.

*Note: After labeling, it was discovered through DNA testing that the grapes, initially thought to be Gamay, were in fact Pinot Noir. While the label lists the wrong grape variety, the wine remains unchanged, and this unique situation is shared with customers for transparency.

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​.