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 January 2016.
Although 2014 was a challenging harvest in most of Italy, conditions were exceptional in Sicily. The average winter temperature and rainfall were slightly higher than average until the middle of March, which led to an earlier bud break. During the summer months there was no excessive heat and the absence of strong sirocco winds resulted in healthy grapes with optimum ripeness. Zisola’s vineyard manager reported that the Nero d’Avola grapes had high anthocyanin concentration, excellent acidity and a balanced sugar content.
Sumptuous aromas of forest fruits, orange peel and mulberry on the nose with excellent depth and concentration. This full bodied wine enjoys the trademark Mazzei smoothness, elegance and a judicious use of oak.
Delicious with spicy fish stew, savoury pasta and rice dishes, grilled red meats and roasted vegetables.
The Wine Advocate: 91+ POINTS
July, 2016, Monica Larner
“The2014 Sicilia Noto Zisola offersasmooth and silky interpretation of Nero d’Avola with no sharp edges. This red wineisallabout integration. The way those flavors of cherry, spiceand tobacco flow together highlights this point.Sweet fruitaddsa pretty sense of lightnessand freshness to the finish. Zisola drinks well in the nearand medium term.”
James Suckling: 92 POINTS
November 21, 2016
“Lots of blackberries, dried berries and dark chocolate. Some black tea, too. Full body, velvety tannins and plenty of richness. Drink now.”
Noto, Sicily
100% Nero d'Avola
Natural Cork
15%
5.8%
Yes
Yes
