By Christine Salins.
Zema Vineyard Winery
Over nearly four decades, Zema Estate has consistently produced fine Coonawarra reds. Focused on producing a premium product through meticulous viticulture (hand-pruning and hand-picking), passionate winemaking, and diligent bottle ageing, the company draws on the traditions of its Italian heritage while demonstrating a deep respect for its Coonawarra provenance.
Demetrio Zema, his wife Francesca and their sons Matt and Nick established the business in 1982 and it is still very much a family-run concern. Demetrio died last year aged 87, his legacy continuing on through his sons. Nick Zema said the best thing about being a family winemaker was working closely together as a family to build a brand and company that could continue to grow and develop for future generations.
Zema Estate Family Selection Shiraz 2016
“Our family is proudly traditional in the ‘vine to wine’ process, using only 100% Coonawarra ‘estate grown’ fruit, remaining committed to hand pruning and using minimal irrigation to maximize vine health and fruit quality,” he said.
Zema Estate strives to release its wines with some bottle age so the wines drink well on release yet still have the depth and structure to cellar. Its flagship wines, the Family Selection reds, have cellaring potential of at least a decade.
The ‘cream of the crop’, these are produced in limited quantities, and are bigger and bolder than the Estate range. The fruit is hand selected for intensity of flavour and varietal definition, before being fermented in barrel to enhance structure and complexity.
The Cabernet Sauvignon is given 24 months in French oak barrels and the Shiraz 22 months in a mix of French and American oak. Both wines are further aged for three years in bottle.
Zema Estate Family Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
The current Family Selection release is from 2016, a good vintage that produced reds with outstanding colour and tannins. Milder than usual ripening conditions and a cooler end to vintage have produced rich medium-bodied wines with good fruit definition.
Zema Estate 2015 Family Selection Shiraz, $49.99: Although Coonawarra is renowned for Cabernet, it also produces wonderful Shiraz. This one is full-bodied yet vibrant and elegant, with spicy fruit, vanilla and cloves, and a long smooth finish.
Zema Estate 2016 Family Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, $49.99: Rich and delicious with intense blackberry flavours, beautifully balanced with hints of chocolate and subtle oak, and nicely rounded tannins. These are definitely wines to savour.
