Palate
Full and elegant, notes of black cherry, leaves, forest underbrush, tannic and rich aftertaste
Growing Conditions
Winery: Zisola, Noto, Sicilia
- Vineyards location: 130 m.a.s.l.; S/E exposure
- Soil: Medium texture, calcareous and mineral
- Training system: Head-pruned bush vines
- Nr. of vines per hectare: 5.500 plants
This vintage was characterised by a strong drought: in fact, after the rain at the end of October 2015 and until spring, the rainfall was just 49 mm, with winter temperatures above 6° C and a following active growth occurring at least ten days earlier than the average. This anticipation has been observed until the second week of August when, with great concern, heavy showers adjusted the proper trend of the vintage and hydrated the plants. It is surely worth mentioning the two heat waves that hit Sicily: the first was recorded between June and July and the second at the beginning of August, reaching 42° C.
Generally, the cycle of vegetation were initially subjected to warm temperatures during the day and cold ones at night, which started the blossoming and the flowering ten days earlier than the previous vintage (which started in the second half of May), followed by a good fruit setting; the veraison, too, was anticipated with respect to the seasonal average.
This climatic and weather trend granted the good health both of the vines and the bunches, which were characterised by a strong peel just before the harvest. The result was very satisfying and represented a step forward compared to the previous vintages with wines rich in colorants and strong acidity.
Beginning of the harvest: 31/08
End of the harvest: 27/09
Rainfalls (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th): 225 mm
Legend
Temperature Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th): 4,202°C
Legend
Rainfalls (sum of rainfall between April 1st and September 30th)
Temperature Index (sum of average daily temperatures from April 1st to September 30th)
Evaluation: Outstanding
Harvest
Hand picked from September 9th
Bottling
December 2017
Winemaking
- Fermentation temperature: 27 °C
- Period of maceration: 15 days
Aging
16 months in small french oak barrels (225 lt / 50% new)
Food Pairing
Game stews, Porcini mushrooms, hard cheeses (Ragusano)
