Supplier Story: TAVA 750L Ceramic Amphorae in Margaux at Château Durfort-Vivens

Tava

Located in Mori Trentino, Italy, since 2010 Tava has been crafting technical ceramic amphora for winemaking. Produced from a patented mixture of local clay, the ceramic amphorae are fired at a temperature that results in a consistent 5% porosity, the same as on new oak barrels. The firing temperature can also reach a 2.5% porosity for whites or lighter reds that would benefit from a slower micro-oxidation. Tava amphora are found in: 320L, 750L, 1250L, 1600L or 2500L.

Ceramic for winemaking

Tava crafts ceramic amphora solely for winemaking with the most winemaker friendly of accessories and options. Since its inception in 2010, the classic "amphora" shape available in 320L, 750L, and 1600L. The 1600L can be equipped with a side hatch; it has been used both by white and red producers across the world.

NEW! Monolite Tank

Pressed by customers to offer an even larger ceramic tank that can be used both for fermenting and aging inside of, Tava responded. The 1250L and 2500L. Monolite tank's "tulip" conical shape allows for optimal cap extraction for fermenting reds inside but can also be used for fermenting and aging whites.

Château Durfort - Vivens

Located in Margaux on the Left Bank and recognized as a Second Classified Growth in 1855, the Château is now part of the Lurton family. The estate is now double certified in bio and biodynamic. The first wine consists of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot and 2% Cabernet. Since 2017, the Château's first wine is aged for 18 months in 70% new 225L oak barrels and 30% 750L Tava ceramic amphora, of which the Château collection now numbers over 200 of them.

Why incorporate Tava Ceramic Amphora?

Margaux and Bordeaux producers may be the last place you would expect to find Tava ceramic amphorae, but the Château are finding their contribution essential to expressing the purity of its local and historic terroir, and adding a freshness and vibrancy while maintaining it's old world winemaking style.

Château Durfort Vivens transitioned to using Tava ceramic amphora for three main reasons:

Reduce the amount of SO2 and sulfites added during the aging stage of their wines
Preserve the fruit and freshness in the wine
Aesthetic beauty and harmony inside of the cellar