Zisola: a visionary wine venture illuminating Sicily's rich terroir

In the sun-kissed southeastern quadrant of Sicily, known as the cradle of the Nero d'Avola grape, a promising wine project is taking shape at Tenuta Zisola. Just a short distance from the UNESCO World Heritage site of Noto, known globally for its sumptuous Baroque architecture, the Mazzei family embarked on a bold venture back in 2003. Today, their 50 hectares of verdant family-owned land, embracing three traditional Bagli (farmhouses), stand as a testament to this vision. The largest Bagli, with panoramic vistas of Noto and the sprawling giardini, is adorned with vines, olives, citrus fruits, and almond trees. An ongoing transition towards organic farming is set to see Zisola certified as a fully organic wine estate by the close of 2023.

Vineyards nurtured by nature and tradition

Despite its modest size, the winery at Tenuta Zisola is a modern marvel, employing temperature-controlled stainless steel vats for vinification and housing some 350 oak barrels where the wines attain their aged maturity. This unique operation doesn't stop at wine production, it also churns out extra-virgin olive oil, citrus fruit, and almonds, illustrating the Mazzei family's commitment to harness the full potential of their rich Sicilian terroir.

Perched at altitudes between 90 and 130 metres (300-450ft) above sea level, Zisola's vineyards enjoy optimal exposure and ventilation, their West-South-West facing slopes basking in gradients between eight and ten percent. The terrain, rich in gravel and calcium, is of medium texture. A generous 24 hectares are under vine, primarily planted according to the traditional 'ad alberello' (bush-trained) method, a system that ensures balance and grape bunch protection. While the venerable Nero d'Avola grape takes centre stage, there are also smaller vine plots of Syrah, Petit Verdot, Grillo, and Catarratto.

The tempering sea breezes, calcareous soil conditions, and a staunch commitment to natural vine management - including green manure, mechanical burial of spontaneous herbs, and composting organic waste - combine to offer the grapes a perfect milieu for maturation. The end product? Wines that are mineral-rich, fresh, and full of character.

Exploring Zisola's oenological treasures

At Zisola, the winemaking philosophy centers around a deep respect for the historic Nero d'Avola grape variety and the unique character of Sicily. The fruit of this approach is a collection of six wines - four reds and two whites - each a testament to the vineyard's distinct personality.

Doppiozeta, a Noto Rosso DOC and Zisola's flagship wine, challenges the conventions of Sicilian wine. An unfiltered super-Nero d'Avola, it masterfully balances power and elegance, promising an ageing potential of over 20 years.

The Zisola Noto Rosso DOC, a 100% Nero d'Avola, showcases the true potential of this grape, offering a dense, well-structured wine with refreshing acidity and a lingering aftertaste.

Azisa, a 100% Grillo wine, is an aromatic delight from the 2021 vintage onwards, presenting dry, mineral notes interlaced with floral and citrusy hints.

Named after the Homeric hero, Achilles is a 100% Syrah, a generous wine with an expressive nose, a rich mouthfeel and an enduring finish.

Effe Emme, a single-variety Petit Verdot Sicilia D.O.C, pays tribute to the Mazzei CEOs and owners, Filippo and Francesco. It's an intriguing blend, where the unique terroir of Noto meets Petit Verdot, resulting in a wine bursting with character.

Lastly, the Contrada Zisola - a 100% Catarratto - highlights the Mazzei family's dedication to enhancing the native vines of South-Eastern Sicily. The unique soil conditions and bush-training system combine to produce a fresh and potentially long-lasting wine.

From olives to grappa: a testament to Zisola's versatility

Beyond wine, Zisola is also known for its Sicilia IGP Extra-Virgin Olive Oil, a tantalising blend of Moresca, Ogliarola Messinese, and Nocellara Etnea olives. In 2017, a Monocultivar di Nocellara Etnea - Sicilia IGP oil was added to the portfolio, boasting intense aromatic richness and immense elegance.

Finally, Zisola has made a mark with Grappasessanta, Sicily's first 'full-proof' grappa. Crafted by the experienced master distiller Giovi, this award-winning grappa is aged over a lengthy period in small oak barrels. The result is a strong, complex, yet wonderfully smooth spirit, a fitting conclusion to Zisola's extraordinary Sicilian journey.