By Jacqui Bialocki
On the Mornington Peninsula, Trofeo Estate has quietly but confidently established itself as ‘the home of terracotta wine’ in Australia.
At the heart of this vision is proprietor Jim Manolios, alongside his wife Kathy, whose unwavering commitment to terracotta amphorae has redefined the estate’s identity and placed it at the forefront of a modern winemaking renaissance rooted in ancient tradition.
At Trofeo, oak barrels are nowhere to be found. Instead, more than 100 handcrafted terracotta amphorae form the backbone of production, making Trofeo arguably the largest producer of amphora-aged wine in the southern hemisphere. Sourced from the historical village of Impruneta in Tuscany, known for centuries as the epicentre of terracotta craftsmanship, each vessel is left unlined, allowing the wine to naturally breathe through the clay. Housed in a low-humidity, temperature-stable environment, the amphorae encourage micro-oxygenation and subtle concentration, intensifying flavour, texture and aromatic precision.
Jim’s fascination with amphora winemaking began during his viticulture studies and has evolved into a defining philosophy: purity through terracotta. As an inorganic medium, terracotta does not harbour spoilage microorganisms, requiring less sulphur and allowing for cleaner, brighter expressions of fruit. Without the flavour imprint of oak or synthetic materials, the wines mature with clarity and authenticity – an unmistakable Trofeo signature.
This dedication has not gone unnoticed. In a recent blind tasting by a panel of respected winemakers, sommeliers and viticulture lecturers for Young Gun of Wine, Trofeo Estate emerged as a clear leader in amphora reds. From all the wines that were blind-tasted, 17 were selected and four Trofeo vintages stood out – the 2021 The Chosen Few Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2022 Single Block Amphora Pinot Noir, the 2021 The Chosen Few Pinot Noir, and the 2020 The Chosen Few Shiraz – confirming the estate’s mastery of this specialised craft.
The accolades continue to mount. The 2021 cabernet sauvignon was named No.1 Amphora Red, praised for its deep ruby colour, evolving aromatics and a palate described as “poised and polished, wedding density with delicacy in a satiny, middleweight frame”. Additional honours include a silver medal and 93-point Halliday rating for the 2019 blanc de noir at the Melbourne Royal Wine Awards, bronze for the new-release pinot gris, and a top six ranking for the 2022 The Chosen Few Amphora Chardonnay on the Peninsula.
All fruit is handpicked from Trofeo’s organically and biodynamically tended estate vineyards, making every wine vegan-friendly. Under the guidance of winemaker Richard Darby, wild yeasts are favoured where possible, further anchoring each wine to its site and season. The result is a collection of wines defined by purity, vibrancy and textural elegance.
At Trofeo Estate, terracotta is not a trend; it is a philosophy, a practice and a promise. Each bottle tells the story of time-honoured methods, thoughtful innovation and deep respect for the Peninsula’s terroir. As the home of terracotta wine, Trofeo is not simply making wine, it is shaping a legacy.
Visit trofeoestate.com.au to discover more.
