Wines in Amphora: A Return to Origins with a Modern Touch
Wines in Amphora represent a fascinating return to the roots of winemaking, with a practice that dates back over two thousand years. This category, part of the broader family of Special Wines, is distinguished by the use of terracotta amphoras instead of traditional wooden barrels or steel tanks. Amphoras, used since the times of the ancient Romans and Greeks, are experiencing a revival thanks to innovative winemakers who seek to combine ancestral techniques with a contemporary oenological approach.
The grapes used for Wines in Amphora vary widely, as this winemaking method is not tied to a specific variety or region. However, many producers choose to use native grape varieties, striving to best express the terroir through this peculiar process. The amphoras, often made of unglazed terracotta, allow for micro-oxygenation similar to that of wooden barrels, but without imparting any external flavors to the wine, thus maintaining the purity of the fruit.
This technique is particularly well-suited to white and red wines that benefit from prolonged skin maceration, developing aromatic complexity and a unique structure. The organoleptic profile of Wines in Amphora is surprising: on the nose, one often detects notes of ripe fruit, dried flowers, aromatic herbs, and subtle spices, while on the palate, they reveal wines of great body and depth, with a pleasant minerality reflecting contact with the earth.
Some of the most well-known production areas for Wines in Amphora include Italian regions like Tuscany, where producers experiment with Sangiovese and other native varieties, and Sicily, famous for using amphoras for grape varieties like Nero d'Avola and Grillo. Georgia, considered the cradle of wine, also continues to use traditional amphoras called "qvevri," demonstrating how this technique is deeply rooted in the global wine culture.
Discovering Wines in Amphora is an experience that fascinates both enthusiasts and newcomers, offering a window into a wine world that combines history, craftsmanship, and innovation. On Vino45, you can explore a curated selection of Wines in Amphora, each with its own story and distinctive character. Let curiosity guide you and embark on a sensory journey that will lead you to rediscover the origins of wine through labels that celebrate tradition and authenticity.
