How to Choose the Best Clay Amphora for Wine Making ?
Choosing a suitable amphora clay is a crucial step in successful brewing. As professional terracotta Amphorae manufacturer , we will delve into how to choose the right the Amphora and consider the core elements. We will ensure that every product meets the winemaker’s ultimate pursuit of quality, control, and terroir expression through exquisite craftsmanship.
In the wave of revival of natural wine and traditional brewing methods, an Amphora has transformed from an ancient tool into a highly anticipated brewing container in modern wine cellars. It is no longer a simple container, but an active participant shaping the texture, complexity, and soul of wine.
However, how to make a wise choice when facing various types of the amphora on the market? This is not about selecting the most beautiful or ancient designs, but about finding partners who perfectly match your brewing philosophy and craftsmanship. Here, we will provide you with the best guide to make this important decision.
How does Clay Amphora affect wine?
Before making a choice, we must understand the working principle of amphora wine making and how the two core characteristics of Clay Amphora affect wine making and aging.
Micro oxidation: Clay itself has tiny pores, allowing trace amounts of oxygen to slowly and continuously come into contact with the liquor. This is similar to the oxidation of oak barrels, but the process is milder and more uniform, softening tannins, stabilizing color, and developing complex aromas like nuts and preserves without masking the original fruit flavor.
Thermodynamic properties: Clay has good thermal inertness, which can help maintain a relatively stable temperature of the wine during fermentation and promote the formation of natural convection, allowing the lees to circulate evenly and increasing the richness and flavor layers of the wine.
By understanding the micro oxidation and thermodynamic properties, we can make choices from the following five dimensions.
choosing Best Clay Amphora Five core principles
1. The Source of the Clay
The mineral composition of clay is the “DNA” of the amphora, which directly affects the mineral feel of wine.
Key question: Where does clay come from? What is its mineral composition (such as iron, calcium, magnesium)?
Our manufacturing process: As a professional manufacturer, we strictly screen mineral sources to ensure that clay is pure and rich in beneficial minerals. We provide a detailed Clay Composition Analysis to let winemakers know how their choices will communicate with the terroir.
2. The Interior: Unglazed vs. Glazed
This is one of the most important choices, which directly determines the oxidation rate.
Unglazed Interior: Provides the most thorough micro oxidation and is the preferred choice for winemakers pursuing traditional Georgian Qvevri style. It can maximize mineral exchange and bring a stronger texture.
Partially Sealed Interior: Many modern winemakers choose to glaze the interior of the can, leaving only an unglazed area at the mouth. This allows for more precise control of oxidation, making it ideal for winemakers who are trying or brewing more refined wines for the first time.
We provide Custom Interior Glazing services, where customers can choose unglazed, partially glazed, or glazed in specific locations based on the desired degree of oxidation.
3. Shape and Size Matters
Shape: The classic Egg Shaped Amphora is not meant for aesthetics. Its streamlined design can promote natural convection of the liquor, suspending the lees without the need for stirring.
Size: Size directly affects fermentation efficiency and liquor characteristics. Small Amphora for Experimental Batches is suitable for trying new ideas, while large amphora provide a more stable aging environment.
Our manufacturing process: We offer a variety of sizes ranging from 50 liters to 2000 liters, and have optimized the egg shaped curve based on fluid dynamics to ensure optimal functionality.
4. Quality of Craftsmanship
A poorly crafted clay amphora may break or bring unpleasant earthy taste.
Key question: How are the amphora made (handmade coiled)? Ceramic wheels? ）？ What is the firing temperature?
Our craftsmanship
We use manual craftsmanship to make amphora clay that are molded at 1200 ° C to ensure uniform thickness. The ceramic body has a higher degree of vitrification and a stronger structure, greatly enhancing its thermal shock resistance and durability, and avoiding the risk of cracking.
Practical guide: How to clean and maintain your clay amphora?
5. Additional Features
Opening design: The wide opening is convenient for cleaning and removing lees, while the narrow opening reduces oxidation and evaporation.
Faucet: Built in food grade stainless steel or ceramic faucet (Amphora with Spigot) allows for easy sampling or bottling, greatly enhancing convenience.
Our craftsmanship
We offer a variety of opening designs and built-in faucet options, combining traditional wisdom with the practical needs of modern amphora brewing. At the same time, with our rich project experience, we can meet personalized the amphora can customization.
Professional manufacturer capabilities and support
Choosing the best Clay Amphora is ultimately about finding a trustworthy partner. An excellent manufacturer is not only a seller, but also a consultant.
Consultation and Customization: Do you need Professional Amphora Consulting? We delve into the brewing style of our clients and provide tailored solutions.
Our advantage: We have nearly 50 years of industry experience and a technical team of over 200 people, which can flexibly respond to the needs of any project order and provide the best modern amphora for brewing projects.
Visiting the factory: You can walk into our factory and learn about our authenticity. Whether it’s modern equipment or the manufacturing process, you can truly experience it.
After sales service: Does the manufacturer provide transportation, installation guidance, and long-term maintenance recommendations?
Conclusion
Choosing a high-quality clay Amphora is the key to successful wine making or aging. Different application scenarios and functional requirements have different shape requirements for modern amphora. As a reliable manufacturer in China, Hexin is committed to providing personalized solutions for every amphora wine making project, and ultimately turning your vision into reality, becoming your reliable partner!