EASTHOPE FAMILY WINEGROWERS
2020 ‘two terraces vineyard’ GAMAY

Hand picked, 100% whole bunch fermented, unfined.

In 1395 Phillippe the Bold banished the Gamay grape from Burgundy in favour of Pinot Noir. There are only 5 hectares of Gamay planted in the whole of New Zealand compared with 5000 hectares of Pinot Noir - so one could say that Phillippe's edict had a far reaching effect.

We have been fortunate to visit Beaujolais, the home of Gamay, and taste the best examples. Added to this Rod was lucky to share a bottle of 1929 Morgon - a bottle that clearly illustrates the potential of Gamay to produce a truly great wine. Since then we have harboured a conviction that Gamay could be ideally suited to Hawke's Bay climate.

This is a single vineyard Gamay offering from the Quinn’s meticulously managed ‘Two Terraces Vineyard’ in Maraekakaho.  Using artisanal technique of fermenting whole bunches (hand picked) with traditional foot stomping, followed by maturation in a combination of seasoned oak puncheons and our stone egg tanks.

The 2020 is our sixth vintage working with Gamay and that experience coupled with the maturing Two Terraces vineyard has allowed us to craft an exceptional example of this increasingly recognised varietal.

This wine has great purity and focus.  Iridescent in the glass and thrilling on the palate.   Floral elements combine with intense berry fruit, mouth watering acidity and a mineral-like line of savoury tannin.

It’s great on own and it also combines well with a range of cuisine.  Try it slightly chilled.

For those who want more detail, download the PDF here.