| Foundation Date | 2003 |
| Hectares of Vineyards | 24 |
Located near Noto in the province of Syracuse, Zisola is a Mazzei family estate in southeastern Sicily. The estate cultivates a variety of grapes, including Nero d’Avola, Grillo, Catarratto, Syrah, and Petit Verdot.
History of Zisola
The Zisola winery is situated near the enchanting town of Noto, renowned for its baroque architecture, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The estate lies on gentle hills where bush-trained vineyards and olive trees alternate, sloping down toward the Mediterranean Sea, which tempers the Sicilian summer heat with its soft breezes. As is often the case, the most beautiful locations are also the most suited for viticulture.
In 2003, the historic Tuscan winery Mazzei embarked on a new winemaking venture here, producing high-quality wines that authentically reflect the region’s character.
Zisola specializes in Sicilian wines crafted from indigenous grape varieties such as Nero d’Avola, Grillo, and Catarratto, alongside internationally recognized varieties like Syrah and a small percentage of Petit Verdot.
Today, Zisola produces around 150,000 bottles annually, a result of collaboration with renowned oenologist Carlo Ferrini.
Terroir of Zisola Wines
The estate spans 50 hectares, with 24 hectares of vineyards situated at altitudes ranging from 90 to 130 meters above sea level. These plots were selected after meticulous zoning studies to identify the most favorable pedoclimatic conditions.
The Mediterranean Sea plays a crucial role in the area’s climate, with its cool breezes mitigating the summer heat. This ensures excellent ripening and aromatic finesse in the grapes.
The soils at Zisola are characterized by a calcareous matrix with rocky fragments, rich in mineral micronutrients.
These pedoclimatic features create ideal conditions for producing wines with notable mineral savoriness and richness on the palate, particularly enhancing the expression of Sicily’s indigenous grape varieties.
Zisola Wines
The wines of Zisola reflect the rich winemaking tradition of the Noto area.
Among the highlights is the single-vineyard wine ‘Doppiozeta’, crafted from Nero d’Avola grapes. This flagship wine represents the pinnacle of Zisola’s production, made from the estate’s most exceptional vineyards. It is a bold and elegant wine that highlights the varietal character of Nero d’Avola.
Other noteworthy red wines include Effe Emme and Achilles, two captivating single-varietal interpretations of Petit Verdot and Syrah, respectively.
The estate also produces the outstanding white wine ‘Contrada Zisola’, made from 100% Catarratto. This wine delivers intense sensations of exotic fruits and yellow-fleshed fruits, enriched with hints of sea salt for added complexity.
All Zisola wines are marked by distinct character, combining remarkable aromatic finesse, savoriness, and richness on the palate. They stand as a testament to the expressive potential of southeastern Sicily’s unique terroir.
