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 of calcareous and mineral with medium texture.
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 26-28°C. The wine is then aged for 10 months in 225 litre barriques (33% new) before bottling in September 2019.
After a 2017 year characterised by severe drought, but with temperatures lower than the average, 2018 began with little rain which, however, did not affect the shoot growth from the end of March.
Spring was mild until May, when the climate dramatically changed, with a drop in temperature and very strong rainfall. Summer, too, was quite temperate, with many heavy showers; therefore, the harvest was postponed for 15 days.
This climatic trend continued throughout September, with mild temperatures during the day and cool ones at night, which favoured the proper ripening of the grapes. The result is satisfactory and confirms the results obtained in the previous years, with very elegant wines.
Beginning of the harvest: August 22nd
End of the harvest: September 28th
Rainfalls (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th): 273 mm
Temperature Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th): 4130 °C
Evaluation: Good
Well built, forest fruits and sunny orange peel flavors, long and layered taste.
Spicy fish soups, savoury pasta and rice dishes, grilled red meats and vegetables
Noto, Sicily
100% Nero d'Avola
Natural Cork
12.55%
5.78%
Yes
Yes
