Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/646485
Thanks to the efforts of premium barrel suppliers like Manu Fiorentini of iPak Wines in Paso Robles, who started importing terra-cotta amphorae from Italy to the United States in 2013, along with produc- ers like Mission Clay Products in Oakland, which is fabricat- ing clay vessels including bar- rels, this Old World method of taming wine with pure earth is catching on — again. ack to the Future" is a theme that never goes out of style, like bell b o t t o m s a n d p e a c e s y m b o l s . T h a n k f u l l y, y o u can add pottery to that list. Amphorae are back and they're catching on in the cellars of California, Oregon and Wash- ington as winemakers discover the unique properties of variet- ies fermented in these ancient vessels. Heyday New for A Clay BY LAURA NESS Amphorae fermentation vessels are making their way into winemakers' hearts. A terra-cotta amphora vessel at Epoch Estate Wines in Templeton, Calif. 5 8 V I N E YA R D & W I N E RY M A N A G E M E N T | M a r - A p r 2 016