Who makes it
Earl Domaine de Noire specializes in organic AOC Chinon wines. Grapes are harvested by hand, generally destemmed and fermented with indigenous yeasts in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. Amphora takes a separate cellar path, using Chenin Blanc, terracotta amphorae and extended lees ageing.
Where it grows
Chinon is a Loire wine appellation. AOC Chinon identifies the wine's regulated place of origin, while Chenin Blanc places Amphora among the white wines associated with the appellation. The bottle joins a defined Loire address to a grape and cellar method that are both stated plainly on the wine.
What they make
Amphora is a 2020 white wine made from Chenin Blanc and identified as AOC Chinon blanc. Its fermentation and ageing take place in terracotta amphorae, followed by one year on fine lees. The broader cellar method uses temperature controlled stainless steel tanks and indigenous yeasts, while Amphora gives the range a named white wine with a distinct vessel and ageing regime.
Chenin Blanc commonly brings fresh acidity and orchard fruit. Fine lees ageing can broaden the palate, adding a rounder texture and savoury depth as the wine remains in contact with the yeast cells left after fermentation. Terracotta amphora fermentation gives Amphora a clay vessel through both fermentation and ageing, so its character is shaped by Chenin Blanc, terracotta and lees contact.