2021 Amoise Chenin Blanc

WINEMAKER: Amy Farnsworth
REGION: Hawkes Bay, NZ
VARIETAL: Chenin Blanc
VITICULTURE: Organic/Biodynamic

From the exceptional Two Terraces vineyard (Mangatahi Terraces region). There are only 2.5ha in total of Chenin Blanc planted in Hawke’s Bay. The site is slightly higher in elevation and has distinct diurnal swings – hot days, cool nights. This is ideal for maintaining higher levels of acidity and aromatics. Grown on free draining alluvial soils over “red metal”. Foot crushed and held overnight on skins before whole-cluster pressed to barrel. Textural and mouth filling, with tropical fruit notes, crisp granny smith apple acidity and a saline finish.

Canadian winemaker Amy Farnsworth has walked a well beaten path from hospitality to wine retail, to WSET Diploma and then wine distribution, and finally winemaking. A bottle of 1971 JJ Prum Spatlese Riesling from the Wehlener Sonnenuhr vineyard along the way was a real lightbulb moment. At the time Amy was working with the biggest biodynamic portfolio in Canada, sewing the seeds for her “All-in approach” with biodynamics in the vineyard.

Much travel ensued with 17 vintages across 6 countries, including two important years in Burgundy (where she obtained a Diploma in Viticulture & Winemaking in Beaune). Finally landing in Hawke’s Bay, NZ, Amoise was launched in 2018. Following a strict winemaking philosophy: only organic fruit, zero additions in the winery and no sulphur, her process requires complete dedication and attention to detail with no compromise when it comes to canopy management, fruit quality and winery hygiene.