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 Nero d’Avola grapes were hand picked from September 7th.
Fragrant aromas of mulberry, forest fruits and orange peel on the nose with excellent depth and concentration of flavour. This full bodied wine enjoys the trademark Mazzei smoothness, elegance and a judicious use of oak.
Serve with fish soup, aubergine dishes, vegetable pasta or grilled lamb.
Wine Spectator: 90 Points
Noto, Sicily
100% Nero d’Avola
Natural Cork
14%
6.08 g/l
