# Zensa Rosso Terre Siciliane Organico (2023)

- **Producer:** Orion Wines
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Nero d'Avola, Syrah
- **Region:** Sicilia, Italy
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €10
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** red plum, black cherry, raspberry, vanilla, butter, cloves

## About this wine

The Zensa Rosso Terre Siciliane Organico 2023 is an organic red wine from Orion Wines, primarily composed of Nero d'Avola and Syrah. It falls under the Terre Siciliane IGT classification, encompassing the island of Sicily. The name 'Zensa' signifies its commitment to organic viticulture, free from synthetic chemicals. The wine is packaged in an environmentally conscious PET bottle, and its label design reflects the Sicilian landscape. Orion Wines, established in 2010, focuses on producing wines that showcase regional identity through collaborations with Italian growers.

## Interesting facts

- Zensa means 'without' in Italian, referring to its organic farming.
- The wine is presented in a lightweight, sustainable PET bottle.
- The warm label colors symbolize Sicilian soil and sun.
- Terre Siciliane IGT covers the entire island of Sicily.

## Food pairing

The medium body and moderate tannins of this wine make it versatile. Its fruit-forward character and subtle sweetness complement grilled meats and savory pasta dishes. The acidity helps to cut through richer flavors, while the fruit notes can echo or contrast with ingredients like tomatoes and herbs.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Zensa Rosso Terre Siciliane Organico begins with hand-harvested grapes that are de-stemmed but not crushed to maintain skin integrity. Fermentation takes place over 8-10 days at 23-25°C with techniques like cap punching down and pumping over to enhance extraction. Malolactic fermentation is initiated after racking. A portion of the wine, around 30%, is aged for a short period, either with oak chips for two months or in second-passage American and French oak barriques for eight months. Organic farming practices are central to the production, avoiding synthetic chemicals.