The Zisola estate is the Mazzei family’s most recent investment and is located in south-eastern Sicily, the home of Nero d’Avola, about 1 km outside the magnificent town of Noto which is celebrated for its Baroque architecture. There are two “baglio” buildings on the site which form the centre of around 50 hectares of bush-trained vines interspersed with olives, citrus trees and almonds.
The vineyards are located at 130 metres above sea level with a south eastern exposure. The vines are free standing ‘alberello’ bush vines, planted at a density of 5,550 vines per hectare and the soil is of calcareous and mineral with medium texture.
The small but efficient cellar is equipped with temperature controlled stainless steel vats. After harvest, the grapes are gently pressed. Maceration lasts for approximately two weeks. Fermentation then takes place at 26-28°C. The wine is then aged for 10 months in 225 litre barriques (33% new) before bottling in December 2017.
This vintage was characterised by a strong drought: in fact, after the rain at the end of October 2015 and until spring, the rainfall was just 49 mm, with winter temperatures above 6° C and a following active growth occurring at least ten days earlier than the average. This anticipation has been observed until the second week of August when, with great concern, heavy showers adjusted the proper trend of the vintage and hydrated the plants. It is surely worth mentioning the two heat waves that hit Sicily: the first was recorded between June and July and the second at the beginning of August, reaching 42° C.
Generally, the cycle of vegetation were initially subjected to warm temperatures during the day and cold ones at night, which started the blossoming and the flowering ten days earlier than the previous vintage (which started in the second half of May), followed by a good fruit setting; the veraison, too, was anticipated with respect to the seasonal average.
This climatic and weather trend granted the good health both of the vines and the bunches, which were characterised by a strong peel just before the harvest. The result was very satisfying and represented a step forward compared to the previous vintages with wines rich in colorants and strong acidity.
Beginning of the harvest: 31/08
End of the harvest: 27/09
Rainfalls (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th): 225 mm
Legend
Temperature Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th): 4,202°C
Legend
Rainfalls (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th)
Temperature Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th)
Evaluation: Outstanding
Sumptuous aromas of forest fruits, orange peel and mulberry on the nose with excellent depth and concentration. This full bodied wine enjoys the trademark Mazzei smoothness, elegance and a judicious use of oak.
Delicious with spicy fish stew, savoury pasta and rice dishes, grilled red meats and roasted vegetables.
Noto, Sicily
100% Nero d'Avola
Natural Cork
13.15%
6.24%
Yes
No
