Manufacturing
from 80 to 1000 liters
Handcrafting
V&T Amphores jars are handcrafted to ensure that no air bubbles weaken the structure.
Craftsmanship
Each piece is unique, and shapes vary slightly depending on the personal touch of each potter.
Heritage
A true ancestral craftsmanship dedicated to aging and winemaking.
Terracotta Containers
Terracotta Impruneta Label
V&T Amphores has chosen terracotta potters from Impruneta, Tuscany - a small village that has been produced Orcio jars for preserving olive oils and wine since the Middle Ages. The pots are still assembled using the same techniques from that time.
This high-quality clay is unique due to its mineralogical composition, enriched with a significant amount of galestro (a friable clay-schist widely recognized in the Tuscan Apennines).
Highly dense and the most malleable in the world, this raw material allows for the creation of terracotta products that are durable, resistant, and aesthetically exquisite.
A well-maintained terracotta jar can last for over a hundred years!
Terracotta Manufacturing
Artisanal process
The preparation of raw clay is a crucial step, requiring rigorous manual kneading to eliminate air bubbles and ensure a uniform structure—essential for the jar's strength. The jars are shaped using the ancestral Colombian technique, demanding exceptional skill, particularly in controlling material thickness.
Drying process. Before firing, terracotta jars must dry for around seven weeks, during which they lose 10–15% of their weight due to water evaporation. This critical phase is highly dependent on weather conditions: High temperatures cause rapid drying, risking cracks. High humidity slows drying, but excessive moisture could cause collapse.
Firing process. Jars are fired at 1020°C over a 48- to 60-hour cycle: 24 to 36 hours to gradually increase the temperature. 12 to 24 hours of constant firing. 48 hours for controlled cooling.
Key qualities of our terracotta jars
Respect for grape varieties
Preservation of fruit quality
Authenticity of aromas
Smooth, rounded tannins for wines
Good thermal insulation
Our handcrafted terracotta jars allow potters to take their time, reinforce weak areas, and infuse their expertise into the vessel—an inheritance of centuries-old craftsmanship.
Natural Material : Terracotta is a natural clay that requires no coating, allowing the liquid to be in direct contact with the surface. This material enhances natural micro-oxygenation, smoothing beverages and letting their true fruit character shine.
"These amphorae emphasize the grape variety, revealing its purity for truly authentic wines without additives. Terracotta produces wines with freshness, softness, a hint of minerality, and a long-lasting finish—akin to wines of antiquity."
Le Clos d'Elpis, double gold medalist at the 2022 Grenache du Monde
