Zisola 2022
Vintage
2022
Region
Sicily
Country
Italy
Style
Still
Grape Varieties
Nero d'Avola
ABV
12.5%
Dietary
Vegan, Vegetarian
Sustainability
Organic Viticulture
Zisola
Zisola is a Sicilian wine estate near Noto, in South-East Sicily, owned by the Mazzei family and focused on Nero d’Avola, Grillo, Catarratto and other Mediterranean varieties. Purchased in 2003, the estate extends the Mazzei family’s long winemaking experience from Tuscany to the island birthplace of Nero d’Avola. With traditional alberello-trained vineyards, limestone-rich soils and cooling breezes from the Ionian Sea, Zisola produces Sicilian wine with ripe fruit, freshness, elegance and clear regional identity. Zisola offers a refined expression of Italian island wine from one of Sicily’s most distinctive areas.
Read MoreViticulture
Zisola 2022 is sourced from three estate parcels: Piscina, Sopra Navel and Mandorleto. The vineyards sit at 95 to 130 metres above sea level with a south-east exposure. Soils are a mix of calcareous and mineral, with a good rocky structure that supports drainage and concentration. The vineyards are farmed organically and are in conversion, with vines aged between 13 and 18 years. The training system is traditional head-pruned bush vine, suited to the warm Sicilian climate.
Vinification
The grapes were hand-picked from 10 September and fermented naturally in small stainless steel tanks, without added yeast or temperature control. Skin contact was extended to build structure, depth and aromatic complexity. Malolactic fermentation took place spontaneously in oak. The wine was aged for over 16 months in 500-litre tonneaux with medium toast, 50% new, followed by more than four months in concrete tanks. It was bottled in December 2023 without filtration.
2022
The 2022 vintage began with a cool winter, below-average temperatures, some frost and low rainfall, creating good plant health conditions. Mild spring weather supported budburst and fruit set before heatwaves arrived in May. Summer was extreme by Sicilian standards, with peaks above 40?C, sudden temperature shifts and light September rainfall that delayed harvest by around ten days. Harvest ran from 26 August to 5 October, producing elegant wines in line with the estate?s research-led approach.
Tasting Note
The wine has aromas of forest fruits, sunny orange peel and Mediterranean warmth. The palate is structured and generous, combining dark fruit, citrus peel and savoury detail with a polished texture. Medium to full-bodied, it shows depth and composure, with oak ageing contributing gentle spice and roundness. The finish is long, layered and persistent, giving a refined expression of Sicilian red wine.
Food Pairing
Pair with spicy fish soup, savoury pasta and rice dishes, grilled red meats, roast aubergine, charred peppers, lamb, aged cheeses or grilled vegetables.
