Zema excel in the construct of multi varietal Bordelais styled reds. The family is proudly traditional in their approach to vineyard practice, favouring hand pruning and limited irrigation to maximise quality. Demetrio and Francesca Zema chose their ground carefully in 1982. Cluny captures the mood of Bordeaux, the feel and the presence of fine Medoc. A masterfully fashioned cépage of pure alchemy, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Franc, magically brought forward through the addition of Malbec and patient ageing in smaller oak barrels.
The enduring philosophy at tiny Zema is total commitment to a hands on approach. From soil to bottle, the family manages all aspects of the wine's quality. Zema's traditional vineyard practices of selection and minimal irrigation translate into harvests of the richest and most intensely flavoured grapes. Vines are all hand pruned, starting in June and continuing until August of each year. The key to success of the complex mix of varietals in Cluny is a painstaking harvest of the individual blocks of fruit at optimum maturity for each. Components are separately vinified in a mix of fermenters and oak, followed by fourteen months maturation in a combination of French and American hogsheads.
Dark red colour with purple hues. Ripe berry characters with a hint of regional mint and nutty vanillin oak. The palate displays attractive ripe red berry flavours, roundness and complexity. Well integrated oak and supportive tannins, an attractive acidity and full but soft tannin finish. Well structured with outstanding depth, the firm backbone of Cabernet is assisted by Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Match with a lasagna of layered beef ragu and wide noodles, pork belly or veal.