# Amphoré

- **Producer:** Domaine des Grottes
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** 100% Gamay
- **Region:** Beaujolais, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.0%
- **Average price:** €35
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 12–14 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** red cherry, ripe fruit, earth, moist earth

## About this wine

Amphoré by Domaine des Grottes is a 100% Gamay wine from Beaujolais, France, classified as Vin de France. The wine is named for its unique aging process, where it matures exclusively in a blend of terracotta amphorae, including traditional Georgian qvevri and Spanish tinajas. Winemaker Romain des Grottes practices meticulous biodynamic and organic farming, with vines planted on granite soils. This 'zero-zero' natural wine is produced with no additions, unfined, and unfiltered, reflecting a commitment to minimal intervention and the pure expression of the grape and its terroir. The estate emphasizes biodiversity, with polyculture integrated into the vineyards.

## Interesting facts

- The wine is aged in a mix of ancient Georgian and Spanish clay vessels.
- It's a 'zero-zero' wine: no added sulfur, yeast, or other interventions.
- Vineyards are farmed biodynamically with a focus on biodiversity.
- Yields are exceptionally low, around 12 hl/ha.

## Food pairing

The wine's bright acidity and light body cut through richer dishes, while its subtle earthy notes and red fruit character complement savory proteins and earthy vegetables. The low tannins make it versatile with a range of preparations.

## Wine making process

Amphoré is a natural wine produced from 100% Gamay grapes grown on granite soils in Beaujolais. The vineyards are managed using biodynamic and organic principles, with a strong emphasis on biodiversity. The winemaking is strictly 'zero-zero,' meaning no additions of sulfur, yeast, or other agents, and the wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered. Grapes undergo a short semi-carbonic maceration. The defining characteristic of its production is the exclusive aging in a mix of four handmade terracotta amphorae: three traditional Georgian qvevri and one Spanish tinaja. This method allows for gentle oxygenation and contributes to the wine's unique character.