“Achilles” Syrah Sicilia DOC 2020

Zisola | Mazzei | Sicily
Zisola s.r.l. Agr. | Contrada Zisola | IT 96017 Noto

19102520 · 0,75 l · 37,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

Syrah in Sicily - this is no longer a surprise. But Achilles, Zisola's top single-varietal wine, gives the grape variety on the chalky hills near Noto a new expressiveness: powerful, deep and at the same time controlled, with that polished precision that does not seek to imitate, but to shape independently. The grapes come from small plots with a high proportion of limestone in the soil, close to the coast. The warm climate is tempered by constant air circulation - ideal conditions for even ripening. After selective manual harvesting, spontaneous fermentation takes place in conical tanks, followed by ageing for around 16 months in French barriques.

Rich purple colour with a violet core. The nose is intense and differentiated: black berries, candied violets, pepper, some dark chocolate, underpinned by smoky and balsamic nuances. Dense, juicy and structured on the palate, with fine-grained tannins and a clear, cool vein. The fruit remains present but controlled, accompanied by mineral notes and a long, distinctive final.

Achilles is not a stylish fortified wine, but a multi-layered Syrah with character - idiosyncratic, focussed and stylistically independent. A Sicilian red with a clear contour that does not confuse concentration with heaviness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep dark ruby violet colour. Spicy nose of rich sour cherries, rose hips, some citric hints, plus fine earthy tones, inviting. Balanced on the palate, grippy, with fine juice and a great feel, comes in several layers, long, on earthy notes in the finish." Falstaff

"This 100% Syrah is very intense but also very perfumed and spicy, with a sapidity to the fruit which speaks of Noto's calcareous soils. Give it time in the bottle to evolve and you're in for a real treat." Decanter

"The nose is a summer barbeque, as hot, slightly acrid aromas of smoke, tar and meat play with lighter blackberry, violet and mint undertones. On the palate, the balance between meatiness and berry sweetness continues, while imposing tannins and searing acid keep everyone in check until a swirling mocha finish." Wine Enthusiast

"An attractive red with blackberries, ink and hints of chocolate. Medium body with firm and silky tannins and a fresh and delicious finish. Some dried meat and syrah character at the end of the palate." James Suckling