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 calcareous.
The small but efficient cellar is equipped with temperature controlled stainless steel vats. After harvest, the grapes are gently pressed and fermented at cool temperatures of around 15°C to ensure that the aromatic compounds of the grapes are retained.
Winter temperatures were lower than average, with some frosts and a moderate amount of rain which gave the plants a healthy start. Mild spring temperatures aided vegetative growth and fruit set, which ended with the onset of heat on 3 June. It was an atypical summer for Sicily, with unstable temperatures that at times soared above 40°C (104°F) but also dropped off sharply at night, and constant light showers. This pushed the harvest back to ten days later than in previous years. The end result, however, was very satisfactory: a range of elegant wines fully in line with Zisola’s qualitative standards.
Beginning of the harvest: September 4th
End of the harvest: October 14th
Rainfalls (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th): 185 mm
Temperature Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th): 4108 °C
Vibrant lemon yellow in colour with attractive aromas of ripe citrus fruits, delicate florals and a hint of tropical fruit. The palate is fresh and zesty, typical of Grillo, but with good weight and a full mouth-feel, thanks to the Catarratto.
Great with salads, seafood pasta dishes, grilled fish or vegetables.
James Suckling: 91 POINTS
“This may not be very aromatic, but it is super-clean and crisp with a sleek and vivid personality and a lemony finish. Drink or hold.”
Noto, Sicily
50% Grillo
50% Catarratto
Biodegradable Normacorc
13.00%
5.50 g/l
Yes
Yes
