Traditional Hand Pruning and Careful Viticulture in South Australia
Zema Estate: A Legacy from Calabria to Coonawarra
Founded in 1982 in the renowned Coonawarra region, Zema Estate reflects the rich Italian heritage of the Zema family, which dates back to the 1800s. Over the past four decades, the winery has gained a reputation for producing exceptional Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, consistently delivering quality that withstands the challenges of varying vintages and seasons.
The Zema family's commitment to excellence is evident in their meticulous approach to winemaking, which includes hand pruning, careful fruit selection, and a deep respect for the unique terroir of Coonawarra.
Commitment to Tradition and Quality
Zema Estate stands out as one of the few wineries in Coonawarra that still practices hand pruning, with family members actively involved in vineyard management. The Zema family, who immigrated from Italy in 1953, brought with them a wealth of traditional vineyard knowledge and practices that continue to shape their winemaking philosophy.
Estate and Family Selection Wines
The Estate range showcases vibrant varietal flavors, featuring notes of blackcurrant, coffee, and mint in the Cabernet Sauvignon, alongside the cherry-plum sweetness of the Shiraz. The hand-selected fruit undergoes gentle processing in the winery, followed by 14 months of maturation in small French and American barrels, allowing the flavors to harmonize with toasty oak. After two years of bottle aging, these wines are ready for smooth enjoyment.
The Family Selection represents the pinnacle of Zema's offerings, crafted from the finest fruit sourced from their three vineyard locations. These wines undergo controlled fermentation, with part barrel fermentation to enhance complexity. The Family Selection Cabernet Sauvignon is aged for 24 months in premium French oak, while the Shiraz spends 22 months in a blend of French and American oak, followed by three years in bottle. This range is characterized by its richness, complexity, and potential for cellaring, making it a standout choice for wine enthusiasts.
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