Zisola

Medium deep straw yellow with fresh shine. Fragrant, lively bouquet of lime, orange oil, stone and tropical fruits and sweet spices. On the palate then of buoyant lightness with a fine salty component, which gives the fresh, delicious white its unmistakable character and beautiful drinking flow. In the reverberation very Mediterranean and with a breath of exoticism. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright shining pale yellow. Fragrant on the nose of lemon blossom and Mediterranean herbs, light citrus scent on the finish. Opens very juicy and straightforward on the palate, medium-bodied and unfussy, slightly salty, ideal with seafood." Falstaff

"A fruity, easy white with sliced-lemon and papaya aromas and flavors. Medium body. Fruity and tangy." James Suckling

Zisola, from the eponymous winery of the Mazzei family in Sicily, is an exceptionally well-made single-varietal Nero d'Avola. Elegantly shining ruby red with a delicately lightening rim. In the flattering fruit bouquet, ripe forest berries and rose hips, lightly reminiscent of blood orange with a hint of cocoa. Juicy and clear on the palate with hearty red fruit, powerful and soft on the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red. In the nose of cranberries, oranges, cherries, gentle spice in the aftertaste. On the palate with red berry fruit, compact body, hearty, slightly consuming tannin in the final." Falstaff

"The 2019 Noto Rosso is youthfully poised yet very pretty, showing peppery florals, wet stone, black currants and smoke. This is silky in texture with motivating acidity and a cooling blend of savory herbs and tart wild berries. There's a density and concentration here that is currently held in check by fine tannins, as the 2019 finishes incredibly long, resonating on dark fruits and hints of licorice. Give this a year or two of cellaring to show its best." Vinous

"Brimming with red and black berries, this is an attractively fresh and dry, medium-bodied Sicilian red with touches of licorice and black tea. Rather long, pleasantly dry finish." James Suckling

The new red from Zisola is a 100% Syrah in radiant ruby violet. Spicy bouquet with notes of black cherry, cassis, undergrowth and foliage. Juicy, engaging and balsamic on the palate, with prominent tannins and interesting acidity. Subtle hints of cocoa and smoked bacon on the long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Strong ruby red. In the nose of lush raspberries and wild berries, delicate plum, minimal pepper spice, a hint of milk chocolate in the aftertaste. On the palate dense and with grip, juicy and clear on the tongue, exciting course, lingers long." Falstaff

"The 2017 Syrah Achilles captivates the senses with a beguiling bouquet that mixes black fruits, smoke and pepper with sweet violet and lavender notes. It's silky and round in feel, balanced by a concentration of tart wild berries, savory herbs and a bitter touch of mocha toward the close. There's a combination of decadence and contrasting sour citrus tension here that I find quite pleasurable, as the Achilles finishes lightly structured and persistent under an air of tar and tobacco. Nicely done." Vinous

100% Nero d'Avola yields a dense ruby-violet colour and a fresh bouquet with rich fruity notes of dark cherries, honey and some grenadine. Doppiozeta unfolds explosively and finesse-rich on the palate, with a velvety tannin and very appealing length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shiny, luminous ruby. Opens with cool herbal notes, of geranium, sage and white pepper, then plums. Very juicy on the palate, polished tannin, fresh and clear, lots of cherry fruit." Falstaff

"A pretty red with juicy fruit, hints of sour cherries and fresh herbs. Light earth. Medium body, round tannins and a flavorful finish." James Suckling

"Deep ruby-red. Vinous aromas of cherry, blackcurrant and tobacco. Clean and fresh, but also sweet and round, with very smooth tannins and floral flavors nicely framed by harmonious acidity. In a distinctly easygoing style, perhaps more so than I remember in the past, finishing with good persistent floral perfume. This is a selection of Nero d'Avola that spent 16 months in barriques." Vinous

This wine represents a new chapter for Mazzei's Zisola winery and for all of Sicily. Very few producers on the island make a pure Petit Verdot. The Alberello vines are planted on highly calcareous soils. Effe Emme shows dark fruit intensity with subtle background notes of chalk and crushed minerals. Powerful and full-bodied on the palate, juicy and firmly structured. Only 4,500 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"Crushed blackberries with hints of flowers that follow through to a medium to full body, chewy tannins and a long and flavorful finish." James Suckling

"Deep ruby. Boasts lovely perfume of violet and delicate spices complementing the blueberry and blackberry fruit. Suave and well balanced, with flavors similar to the aromas, and with polished tannins that provide support to the long, fresh finish. Strikes me as one of the freshest, easier to like Petit Verdots from Zisola ever." Vinous