2022 Amisfield Brut Methode Traditionelle, Central Otago

Amisfield Brut Méthode Traditionnelle from Central Otago is a refined and expressive sparkling wine that captures the precision and vibrancy of New Zealand’s southernmost wine region. Crafted in the traditional method from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grown in the estate’s Pisa vineyard, this wine is all about elegance, freshness, and finely woven texture—hallmarks of high-altitude, cool-climate sparkling production.

Amisfield is renowned for its organic vineyard practices and its deep focus on single-estate expression. Located just outside of Queenstown, the vineyards sit at altitude in the foothills of the Pisa Range, where cold nights and sunny days create ideal conditions for sparkling varieties. The fruit is picked early to retain crisp natural acidity and delicate aromatics.

Winemaker Greg Lane, who joined Amisfield after time spent crafting sparkling and still wines in Australia and Europe, brings a thoughtful and intuitive approach to the Brut. Grapes are hand-harvested, gently pressed, and undergo primary fermentation in stainless steel. The wine is then bottled for secondary fermentation and matured on lees for over two years, allowing time for autolytic complexity to develop alongside the bright fruit.

In the glass, Amisfield Brut shows aromas of lemon curd, crisp apple, white blossom, and toasted brioche. The palate is finely textured with a creamy mousse, citrus and orchard fruit at the core, and a precise, mineral-laced finish. It’s lively yet serious, offering both celebratory charm and food-pairing versatility.

A stunning example of méthode traditionnelle from the South Island, this sparkling wine stands confidently among the best in the country.