Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The Petit Verdot is grown at Contrada Zisola near Noto, at 130 metres above sea level with south-east exposure. The 18-year-old vines are head-pruned in the traditional alberello form and planted at 5,550 vines per hectare. The soil is medium-textured, predominantly calcareous and mineral.
Grapes
100% Petit Verdot.
Vinification
The 2022 grapes were picked by hand from 9 September. Fermentation took place at 28–30°C, with 14 days of maceration.
Ageing
The wine matured for 16 months in 225-litre French oak barrels, half of them new.
Technical data
The 2022 has 13.47% alcohol and 5.53 g/L total acidity. It was bottled in December 2024, with 4,600 bottles produced, and was scheduled for release in February 2026. Formats are 750 ml, 1.5 L and 3 L. The first vintage was 2011, and ageing potential exceeds 20 years.
Tasting profile
Elegant and intense, with underbrush and peat notes, considerable complexity and a persistent finish.
Serving and pairing
Pair with first courses featuring game, stews and long-aged cheeses.
Vintage notes
The 2022 winter was colder and drier than average, with some frost. Mild spring conditions supported growth and fruit set before heat arrived in May. Summer was unusual for Sicily, with peaks above 40°C, pronounced temperature changes and light September rain that delayed harvest by about ten days. The estate-wide harvest ran from 26 August to 5 October; April-to-September rainfall totalled 183 mm and the temperature index was 4,299°C. The vintage was rated good and produced elegant wines.
Label / history
“Effe Emme” is the Italian rendering of the initials FM and refers to Filippo Mazzei's monogram, presented as though stitched onto a tailor-made garment.
