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 estate is certified organic.
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 Petit Verdot vines were planted in 2005 and count for only one hectare. The soils composition is sit and clay with a high percentage limestone. Vines are on average 15 years old.
The small but efficient cellar is equipped with temperature controlled stainless steel vats. After harvest, the grapes are gently pressed. Maceration lasts for approximately 14-16 days. Fermentation then takes place at 28-30°C. The wine is then aged for 16 months in 225 litre barriques (50 % new). The wine was aged for a further 6 months in bottle before release.
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
Evaluation: Good
“Effe Emme” is the spelling of “FM” in Italian: this wine displays Filippo Mazzei’s initials. Deep purple in colour with notes of ripe plum fruit, savoury and peaty notes. An elegant wine of great complexity and persistence.
Pairs well with hearty casseroles and meaty pasta sauces. Also excellent with roasted meat, game and mature cheese.
Serve at 14°C.
James Suckling: 93 Pts
Falstaff: 93 Pts
Noto, Sicily
100% Petit Verdot
Natural Cork
13.59%
5.9%
Yes
3900 btls
