“Effe Emme” Rosso Terre Siciliane IGT 2019

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

19102419 · 0,75 l · 41,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

In the Val di Noto, where the lime-white bagli of Tenuta Zisola are enthroned between almond trees and olive groves, one of the most extraordinary tributes to the history of the Mazzei family is being created. Effe Emme – two letters sewn into a customised wine like precious initials, bear the name of one of the most fascinating pioneers of modern times: Filippo Mazzei. On the limestone-rich soils of Noto, at an altitude of 130 metres in a south-easterly exposure, the unique characteristics of the terroir meet a rare grape variety: Petit Verdot in absolute purity. This French variety, which has found a new home here in the south of Sicily, is hand-picked at the end of September and fermented at 28-30°C, followed by a 14-day maceration. The Effe Emme is matured for around 16 months in 225 Liters French oak barrels.

Deep ruby red colour of impressive intensity in the glass. The nose reveals elegant aromas of undergrowth and peat, interspersed with notes of ripe fruit reminiscent of the wild macchia of the Sicilian countryside. The palate reveals all the aromatic and structural complexity: present but refined tannins and a lively acidity that gives this wine an exceptional ageing potential of over 20 years. Like its namesake Filippo Mazzei, who crossed borders and connected worlds, this Effe Emme is also a border crosser – a Petit Verdot that carries the soul of Sicily while retaining the elegance of its French origins. Only 4,000 bottles are bottled. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red in colour. Spicy, dark berry nose with hints of chestnut honey, black tea and some leather. Elegant, resinous undertone on the palate, very polished with lots of juice and slightly salty tannins, builds a great arc, grippy, earthy final." Falstaff

"The 2019 Sicilia Effe Emme made with Petit Verdot is a very different wine to the previous vintage I tasted at the same time. This 2019 expression is much richer, with a velvety texture and without the bitterness we saw in the 2018. Blackcurrants and dried blackberries give way to smoke, tar and exotic spices." Wine Advocate

"Lots of clove and green peppercorn character with blackberries and blackcurrants on the nose and palate. Full-bodied and complex with lots of flavour on the palate and a long, flavourful finish. Shows how well Petit Verdot thrives in Noto." James Suckling