Effe Emme Sicilia

Zisola

APPELLATION

Sicily

GRAPE VARIETIES

100% Petit Verdot

WINEMAKERS

Carlo Ferrini

TECHNICAL DATA

Alcohol
13.8%

2015

93POINTS

Wine Advocate

DECEMBER 2018

Where To Buy VIEW BRAND PORTFOLIO

BACKGROUND

In the beautiful, Unesco heritage-protected region of Noto, Sicily, lies Zisola, the latest endeavor from the Mazzei family. Here among the olive groves and citrus trees, the limited-production facility is dedicated to producing complex, elegant and age-worthy wines from Sicily's indigenous grape, Nero d’Avola, and to expressing the power and uniqueness of international varieties when grown in this region of Sicily. This exceptional 124 acre estate was acquired by the Mazzei’s, famed Tuscan winemaking family, in 2002 to showcase the potential of the area. Noto, celebrated for its Baroque architecture, is an alluring spot rich in history and culture, with incredible winemaking potential.

TERROIR & VINTAGE NOTES

Noto (Siracusa) is one of the most beautiful areas of Sicily. The property is planted to vines as well as olive, citrus and almond trees, typical of this southern landscape. A small but efficient cellar is equipped with temperature-controlled stainless steel vats for fermentation, along with 200 French barriques for aging.

Vineyards cover approximately 42 acres of the estate, covering mainly calcareous soils and planted chiefly to Nero d’Avola. Vines are trained in the traditional alberello (free standing) style. Small amounts of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot are also cultivated. The vines enjoy a west/southwest exposure and benefit from a steady sea breeze, which cools the vineyards during the hot summer days and warms the land in the winter.

WINEMAKING

Grapes are hand harvested and fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel vats at 82-86°F. The maceration period is 14-16 days.

AGING

The wine is aged for 16 months in small French oak barrels (225 lt/50% new).

TASTING NOTES

Deep ruby color. On the nose, layers of ripe blackberries, spice, licorice, and violets. On the palate, a firm structure with velvety tannins and bright acidity with a juicy, lingering finish.

WINEMAKER

Carlo Ferrini