Zisola

The more I attend wine tastings, the more it fascinates and intrigues me. Recently I had the pleasure of visiting Ten Green Bottles in Malta. Chiara, gave an insightful talk about the Mazzei family of winemakers. A fascinating history going back to XI century in Tuscany and also linked to Franklin, Adams, John F. Kennedy and Washington. The latter, invited him to introduce vine growing in Monticello, Virginia.

Every Zisola-Mazzei wine I tasted, still had that exciting quality of content, that had not evaporated over the countless years. Making a mental note, next time I find myself in Sicily or in Tuscany, I will definitely visit this vineyard, without a seconds’ hesitation.

Two weeks later I was in South-East Sicily and in the middle of the Zisola vineyard. Ancient and curvy rubble walls lined the entrance, alongside two hundred year old olive trees. I find it terribly exciting, actually being on a vineyard of a particular wine that I have enjoyed drinking. It parallels a relationship, the closer you get, the more knowledgeable, intimate and rewarding, the contents of your glass becomes.

The more I attend wine tastings, the more it fascinates and intrigues me. Recently I had the pleasure of visiting Ten Green Bottles in Malta. Chiara, gave an insightful talk about the Mazzei family of winemakers. A fascinating history going back to XI century in Tuscany and also linked to Franklin, Adams, John F. Kennedy and Washington. The latter, invited him to introduce vine growing in Monticello, Virginia.

Every Zisola-Mazzei wine I tasted, still had that exciting quality of content, that had not evaporated over the countless years. Making a mental note, next time I find myself in Sicily or in Tuscany, I will definitely visit this vineyard, without a seconds’ hesitation.

Two weeks later I was in South-East Sicily and in the middle of the Zisola vineyard. Ancient and curvy rubble walls lined the entrance, alongside two hundred year old olive trees. I find it terribly exciting, actually being on a vineyard of a particular wine that I have enjoyed drinking. It parallels a relationship, the closer you get, the more knowledgeable, intimate and rewarding, the contents of your glass becomes.

Driving up the crunchy, gravel, private road, I could not help noticing how impeccably kept Zisola was. Andrea, the guard keeper, wine maker was waiting for us. Walking under a very old archway, leading into a super sized large courtyard, felt like stepping back in time. Filled with pretty and colourful flowers and scents of herbs, rosemary and mint wafting in the warm air, made me feel serene. The luxury of being immersed in this peaceful haven, heavenly.

Zisola vineyard has two interesting aspects. The vines are only watered four or five times a year, which is very little. The reason is, sixty centimetres below the surface soil, there is a subway of irrigation pipes. The soil, being limestone, is super absorbent, therefore, watering in this manner, allows for less evaporation and less thirsty vines.

The other, is the natural way of handling insects which may destroy the vines. Querying the orange wire, Andrea went on to explain its purpose. He asked me rub my finger over it and smell it. It was repulsive, he laughed. He went on to explain how vines have a problem with a particular moth and the wire is coated in female pheromones. There are two types of wine moth, known scientifically as lobesia botrana, and both are some of the worst enemies of grape growers. They have a similar reproduction cycle – once the adult moths have mated, the female lays her eggs on the vines. The larvae that emerge burrow into the grape and feed on the fruit pulp. They pupate and finally morph into adult butterflies. This cycle is repeated by each moth type two to three times a year.

The sex pheromones are an important factor in mating in moths. Once the female releases chemicals, it triggers the mate search and the male moths begin their upwind motion toward their potential partner. But with the devices all emitting female pheromones, they trick the males into a fruitless search for sex that ultimately results in death. The woman, the temptress, since the beginning of time.

After the vineyard talk comes the vino tasting. Andrea led us slowly inside, to allow us to enjoy the bella vista which engulfed us. Entering, an interesting lineup of wines were waiting to be tried and tested. All great well made wines, but the one that really stood out A 100% Petit Verdot wine. This particular grape is usually grown in France, I had never heard of it in Sicily. All I can say and this is my personal opinion, it is not a grape I tend to favour. Hesitantly I twirled the glass, had a sniff with my eyes closed and had a sip. My eyes just popped wide open in utter surprise. Wow, elegant like my favourite first lady, Jacqueline Kennedy. I could not talk for awhile, as I mentally cocooned myself, to enjoy this pleasurable moment of discovery.