A breakthrough in precision wine technology is offering winemakers a new way to address quality issues caused by climate variability and environmental pressures. New Zealand-based firm amaea has developed a proprietary molecular filtration system utilizing reusable molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), allowing for targeted remediation of undesirable compounds in wine while preserving essential varietal characteristics.
Since its commercial launch in late 2023, amaea’s innovative filtration technology has gained traction among premium wine producers in regions such as New Zealand and California. The company’s custom-engineered MIPs contain billions of binding sites designed to selectively capture and remove unwanted molecules — including pyrazines, ethyl phenols, and excessive phenolic compounds — which are commonly responsible for off-aromas and imbalances in wine.
“Winemakers face significant challenges when off-characters emerge that traditional treatments can’t resolve,” said Aiden Tapping, CEO of amaea. “Our technology gives producers precise control over the sensory profile of their wine, enabling them to recover value and maintain brand integrity without stripping away the wine’s core attributes.”
amaea’s dual technology suite includes RMx for remediating aroma faults and PFx for palate fining. Over the past year, these systems have been employed by more than 50 producers, treating over 400,000 gallons (1.5 million liters) of wine and recovering an estimated USD $3.5 million (NZD $6.2 million) in product value.
The company’s largest molecular filtration system is currently operating in Napa Valley, California, underscoring its growing international footprint.
Industry Adoption and Customer Successes
Several leading producers have successfully adopted amaea’s technology in commercial applications, demonstrating its versatility across wine styles and production goals.
- Jackson Family Wines (USA) trialed amaea’s system to reduce bitterness in hard-pressed white wine, replacing traditional single-use fining agents. “The results were impressive,” said Dr. Caroline Merrell, Senior Manager of Winemaking Technical Services. “The MIP treatment improved quality while reducing waste.”
- Cleomont Vineyards (NZ) utilized the technology to address a phenolic-heavy 2024 Marlborough Pinot Gris. Owner and winemaker Digger Hennessy noted the process removed persistent bitterness and improved the wine’s balance and drinkability.
- Marisco Vineyards (NZ) successfully remediated a stink bug-affected Pinot Noir. Winemaker Alun Kilby praised the system’s precision in removing vegetative aromas without altering the wine’s essential character.
- Giesen (NZ) deployed amaea PFx on a non-alcoholic Merlot to balance prominent tannins without using gelatin, a traditional but non-vegan fining agent. Consulting winemaker Duncan Shouler described the technology as both environmentally and financially sustainable.
Smoke Taint Solution Expands Offering
In late 2023, amaea expanded its capabilities with the launch of VPx, a smoke remediation solution designed to eliminate volatile phenols associated with smoke taint. The single-pass system has already earned industry recognition, including the 2024 WINnovation Award, and removes compounds to below sensory thresholds, preserving the wine’s integrity.
As climate and environmental variability continue to challenge traditional winemaking, amaea’s tailored, selective polymer-based solutions are positioning the company at the forefront of precision enology. With growing industry validation and expanding adoption, the technology represents a significant advancement in sustainable and high-quality wine production.
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