Not only great reds: the Mazzei family also explores the white side with precision and identity, between Vermentino in Maremma and Catarratto in Noto. Two cru from indigenous vines, worked with contemporary sensitivity, that tell of different territories but a common vision made of research, elegance and stylistic coherence.
Mazzei — in white
The Mazzei family is known worldwide for great reds, some iconic for Tuscany such as Siepi, Castello di Fonterutoli and Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vicoregio 36, all of which come from Castello di Fonterutoli, the winery’s historic headquarters.
Less well known is the work carried out in the estates of Belguardo in Maremma, which has been company property for 30 years now, and Zisola, in southeastern Sicily near Noto, acquired in 2004.
Very few people know that in these “new” realities two cru whites are made from native grape varieties.
Vermentino Belguardo V: contemporary Maremma
From Belguardo comes the Vermentino Belguardo V which is part of the Vermentino Superiore Maremma Toscana Doc project, a new type – now introduced in the production regulations – strongly desired by the Mazzei family and positively welcomed by the territory with the 2021 vintage.
Catarratto Contrada Zisola: Sicilian identity
From the Sicilian Zisola estate comes the Contrada Zisola, a pure Catarratto that partly macerates and ferments in cocciopesto and partly in steel on fine lees. A wine with an original expressive key, from its recent debut with the 2021 vintage.
Tasting and pairing
Tastings at the Dao restaurant in Rome confirmed the quality of the two crus, enhanced by pairings capable of exalting their territorial characteristics.
Of the Maremma, we heard the 2018, 2021 and 2023 vintages (the forerunner of the new appellation changed its name to the 2021 vintage). Of the Sicilian, however, the 2021, 2022 and 2023. Our impressions follow.
Maremma Toscana Vermentino Belguardo Code V 2018 Tenuta Belguardo
Score: 90/100
Average price: € 30,00
100% Vermentino, aged in steel on the lees for 50%, 30% macerates 4 months on the skins and 20% in amphora on the skins.
Golden yellow. Net nose on hydrocarbons, mallow, anise and Mediterranean scrub. Intense, flavorful and sunny mouthfeel, with a savory and welcoming progression as the juicy, soft and enveloping finish.
Maremma Toscana Vermentino Superiore Belguardo V 2021 Tenuta Belguardo
Score: 92/100
Average price: € 26,00
100% Vermentino, aged 50% in amphora on skins and 50% on lees in steel.
Straw yellow. Intensely floral on the white and yellow, Mediterranean scrub and a very elegant, complex hint of hydrocarbons. Fine texture, sunny but snappy and excellent dynamism on the savory and fresh register. Very tasty balanced, broad and vibrant finish.
Maremma Toscana Vermentino Superiore Belguardo V 2023 Tenuta Belguardo
Score: 91/100
Average price: € 26,00
100% Vermentino. Ages 50% in amphora on skins and 50% in steel on fine lees.
Straw yellow. Notes of yellow fruit, broom floral for a sunny nose. Dense texture with savory, enveloping notes that give dynamics to the sip toward the juicy, enveloping finish.
Terre Siciliane Catarratto Contrada Zisola 2021 Tenuta Zisola
Score: 91/100
Average price: € 45,00
100% Catarratto, 50% aged and macerated for three months in earthenware and 50% in steel.
Greenish straw yellow. Intense nose on mauve, fennel, strawberry tree and broom floral. Sharp texture but intense progression, flavorful and agile with a well-articulated and persistent vertical finish. Excellent olfactory correspondence.
Terre Siciliane Catarratto Contrada Zisola 2022 Tenuta Zisola
Score: 90/100
Average price: € 45,00
100% Catarratto, 50% aged and macerated for three months in earthenware and 50% in steel.
Straw yellow. Nose on warm notes of yellow flowers and ripe peach. Dense, sunny, juicy texture with intense but not very agile, slightly saline progression. The finish is juicy but not very dynamic.
Terre Siciliane Catarratto Contrada Zisola 2023 Tenuta Zisola
Score: 92/100
Average price: € 45,00
100% Catarratto. 50% in cocciopesto for three months, 50% in steel.
Pale yellow with greenish reflections. Nose on yellow floral notes, hints of fennel, mallow and strawberry tree white spices. Elegant texture, balanced between freshness and savoriness, good savory progression. Nimble, intense and persistent finish.
