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. 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.
The grapes were hand-picked between 29th August and 24th September.
Perfumes of mulberry with forest fruits and notes of orange peel come through on the palate. Good depth combines with the trademark Mazzei smoothness and elegance and a judicious use of oak, giving a rounded, complex wine.
Serve with fish soup, aubergine dishes, vegetable pasta or grilled lamb.
Drink: 2014-2023
James Suckling: 92 Points
Noto, Sicily
100% Nero d’Avola
Natural cork
13.5%
