Contrada Zisola Catarratto Terre Siciliane 2023

Zisola is the Sicilian estate of the Mazzei family, who brought their long Tuscan winemaking history south to Noto in 2003. Contrada Zisola Catarratto is made from Catarratto, Sicily's most widely planted native white grape, grown on the island's warm, sun-baked soils near the Baroque town of Noto. The Mediterranean climate ripens the fruit fully, while the site's stony ground and coastal influence keep the wine fresh and give it a saline lift. The wine is aged three months in amphora on its fine lees. Fermenting and resting in clay, rather than oak, adds a subtle textural grip and a gentle oxygen exchange through the porous vessel without lending any wood flavour, while the lees contact rounds the palate and lends a savoury depth. The colour is bright pale straw. The nose is vivid and citrus-driven, with lime, lemon and citrus peel over green apple, melon and a hint of green herbs. The palate is dry and taut, the amphora giving a light phenolic grip beneath fresh acidity, closing on a clean, saline finish. Serve at 9 to 10 degrees.