The Story Behind Zafrana
Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Dingli, ta' Zaghfrana serves as the heart and soul of our boutique winery. "Zafrana", meaning saffron, reflects both the name of this cherished place and the vibrant essence of our wines. Acquired by our winemaker as a personal retreat, the serene environment and the majestic Dingli Cliffs inspired a deeper connection to the land. Despite significant logistical challenges posed by the rugged terrain and limited accessibility, the winemaker's unwavering determination transformed this dream into reality.
Zafrana honors ta' Zaghfrana and captures the essence of the Dingli Garrigue—the scrubland flora that evokes the earthy and herbal flavors in our wines. Each bottle offers a sensory experience reminiscent of walking the garrigue along the Dingli Cliffs, creating a distinct and authentic taste.
We incorporate Girgentina in every Zafrana vintage to pay homage to our indigenous grape.
Zafrana celebrates natural beauty and cultural heritage. Each bottle reflects our dedication to honoring the land and its native grapes, showcasing the quality of our boutique wines.
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Zafrana
Savour Zafrana's Terroir and Salinity
Discover the Finesse
Zafrana is crafted with a focus on preserving the natural flavors of our grapes. We use stainless steel tanks and maintain a fermentation temperature of 12°C to highlight the characteristics of our rich limestone terroir.
Minimal lees ageing and limited fining help retain the true essence of the grapes.
By blending the indigenous Girgentina with international varieties, we enhance the wine’s structure and complexity. This method ensures that each bottle of Zafrana accurately represents our local terroir and offers a genuine sensory experience.
Vintage
Zafrana 2023
BLEND
45% Girgentina, 24% Vermentino, 22% Sauvignon Blanc, 9% Chardonnay
Planted Between 1989-2011 on Terra Rossa, Clay, Limestone and calcareous soil
Method and Production
Produced: 1434 Bottles (75cl)
Stainless Steel Fermentation at 12º C For 20 Days
Undergoes Lees stirring
Alcohol: 12% ABV
Appearance, Nose & Palate
Appearance: Pale in intensity with a lemon-green hue, reflecting its youthful character.
Nose: Medium plus intensity, with fresh aromas of citrus fruits such as lemon and lime, alongside ripe green apples, pears, and stone fruit peaches. The nose is further enhanced by mineral notes of wet stones and a touch of salty minerality. Secondary aromas of yeast, bread, and a hint of creamy butter round out the complexity.
Palate: Dry, with a medium body and balanced acidity. The wine has medium plus intensity, offering a crisp, refreshing profile that carries through to a medium-plus finish, mirroring the lively flavors of the nose.
Last tasted on:28/12/2024
Winemaker's Notes
This wine makes a perfect aperitif, offering a refreshing profile with bright acidity and a crisp, salty finish. Its vibrant character is enhanced by youthful citrus and mineral notes,
Serving Temperature: 9º C
Optimal Drinking Period: 2023-2035.
Food Pairing
Zafrana 2023 pairs beautifully with dishes that showcase the purity of the sea. Think Hokkaido scallops crudo with olive oil, lemon, and a touch of chili, or salmon tartare topped with crème fraîche and trout roe. Sea bass carpaccio with citrus vinaigrette and radishes enhances the wine’s bright acidity, while oysters—whether raw with mignonette or baked with herb butter—highlight its salinity. Cured anchovies on toasted bread with honey and lemon zest bring a bold, briny contrast, and langoustine tartare with shaved fennel and lime adds a refreshing twist. Each pairing complements Zafrana’s balance and finesse, creating a seamless harmony of flavors.
Vintage
Zafrana 2022
BLEND
45% Girgentina, 35% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Chardonnay
Planted Between 1989-2011 on Terra Rossa, Clay, Limestone and calcareous soil
METHOD AND PRODUCTION
Produced: 697 Bottles (75cl)
77 Bottles (150cl)
Stainless steel fermentation at 12°C for 20 days, followed by lees stirring to enhance texture and complexity. The Chardonnay underwent malolactic fermentation (MLF), adding a creamy richness to the final blend.
Alcohol: 12% ABV
APPEARANCE, NOSE & PALATE
Appearance: Pale in intensity with a lemon-green hue, reflecting its youthful
character while hinting at early signs of maturity.
Nose: Medium-plus intensity with a complex bouquet. Tertiary aromas of mushrooms, honey, toast, and nuts signal its evolution, complemented by secondary notes of yeast, bread, and a buttery undertone. Primary aromas of citrus fruits—lemon, lime, and grapefruit—are layered with green apple, ripe pear, and stone fruit peaches, accented by a touch of salty minerality.
Palate: Dry, with medium-plus acidity and a medium body. The medium alcohol and medium-plus intensity carry flavors mirroring the nose. This wine showcases a refreshing, acidic, and saline finish with a rounder, fatter style due to its aging, culminating in a satisfying tertiary-driven complexity.
Last tasted on:28/12/2024
WINEMAKER’S NOTES
Zafrana 2022 is a wine of depth and character, balancing freshness with maturity. Its vibrant acidity and saline edge make it ideal as an aperitif or paired with seafood. Best enjoyed in a standard white wine glass to allow its layered aromas to unfold. For optimal enjoyment,
Serving Temperature: 9°C
Optimal Drinking Period: Between 2023 and 2035
FOOD PAIRING
Zafrana 2022 pairs beautifully with a variety of seafood dishes, enhancing their natural flavors with its saline and acidic profile. Try it with seafood platters, salmon tartare, or crudo di mare. It complements the brininess of oysters and the delicacy of sea bass carpaccio dressed with olive oil and citrus. For a bolder pairing, enjoy it with anchovies on toasted bread, where its acidity balances the richness of the dish. Each pairing celebrates the wine’s balance of freshness and complexity.
Vintage
Zafrana 2021
BLEND
59% Girgentina, 29% Chardonnay, 12% Sauvignon Blanc
Planted Between 1989-2011 on Terra Rossa, Clay, Limestone and calcareous soil
METHOD AND PRODUCTION
Produced: 499 Bottles (75cl)
29 Bottles (150cl)
Stainless steel fermentation at 12°C for 20 days, followed by lees stirring to enhance texture and complexity. The Chardonnay underwent malolactic fermentation (MLF), adding a rich, creamy dimension to the final blend.
Alcohol: 12.8% ABV
APPEARANCE, NOSE & PALATE
Appearance: Pale in intensity with a lemon-green hue, still reflecting youth while showcasing subtle maturity from its aging.
Nose: Medium-plus intensity with pronounced complexity. Strong tertiary aromas of mushrooms, honey, toast, and nuts signal its evolution, enriched by secondary notes of yeast, bread, and buttery richness. Primary aromas of citrus—lemon, lime, and grapefruit—are joined by green apple, ripe pear, and stone fruits such as peaches. Tropical hints of pineapple and floral notes of honeysuckle add depth, while a touch of saline minerality ties it all together.
Palate: Dry with medium-plus acidity, medium body, and medium-plus intensity. The palate mirrors the nose, offering layers of citrus, orchard fruits, tropical pineapple, and a distinct saline quality. Its fatter style and extended tertiary finish highlight its maturity while retaining a refreshing acidity.
Last tasted on: 28/12/2024
WINEMAKER’S NOTES
Zafrana 2021 is a richly textured wine that beautifully balances freshness with mature complexity. Its vibrant acidity and creamy depth make it a versatile companion for food or a refined choice as an aperitif.
Serving Temperature: 9°C
Optimal Drinking Period: 2021-2037
FOOD PAIRING
Zafrana 2021 is an exceptional pairing for more indulgent seafood and pasta dishes, offering both acidity and richness to balance creamy textures. Try it with linguine alle vongole enriched with a splash of cream or seafood risotto where its tropical notes complement the dish’s richness. It pairs beautifully with baked salmon in a buttery herb sauce, while its acidity cuts through the richness of lobster bisque or crab ravioli in saffron cream sauce. For a unique twist, enjoy it with spaghetti with sea urchin or fettuccine with shrimp and lemon zest, where its saline edge enhances the dish’s complexity. Each pairing celebrates the wine’s maturity and vibrant tropicality.
Vintage
Zafrana 2020
BLEND
41% Girgentina, 25% Sauvignon Blanc, 22% Moscato, 12% Chardonnay
Planted Between 1989-2011 on Clay, Limestone and calcareous soil
METHOD AND PRODUCTION
Produced: 650 Bottles (75cl)
Stainless steel fermentation at 12°C for 20 days to preserve the freshness and vibrant character of the grapes, with lees stirring to enhance texture and complexity.
Alcohol: 12% ABV
APPEARANCE, NOSE & PALATE
Appearance: Medium intensity with a lemon hue and hints of green, still showcasing youthful vibrancy despite evident signs of maturity.
Nose: Medium-plus intensity with pronounced maturity. Strong tertiary aromas of mushrooms, honey, toast, and nuts are layered with intriguing notes of ginger and green tea. Tropical fruits dominate, with pineapple, mango, lychee, and melon, balanced by stone fruits like peaches and nectarines. Sauvignon Blanc’s hallmark gooseberry adds freshness, while florals reminiscent of a rose garden, blossom, and honeysuckle create an elegant aromatic profile. Buttery undertones are present, with less yeast influence compared to newer vintages.
Palate: Dry, with medium-plus acidity, medium body, and medium-plus intensity. The flavors are consistent with the nose, emphasizing tropical and floral notes alongside increasing tertiary complexity. A fuller-bodied style with a lingering, mature finish.
Last tasted on: 28/12/2024
WINEMAKER’S NOTES
Zafrana 2020 showcases the evolution of its character, offering a balance of richness and vibrant floral and tropical notes. Its structure and acidity make it an exceptional food wine, particularly with dishes that celebrate spice and bold flavors.
Serving Temperature: 9°C
Optimal Drinking Period: 2020-2035
FOOD PAIRING
Zafrana 2020 is a perfect companion for Asian and spiced dishes. Its tropical and floral notes enhance the flavors of sushi and sashimi, while its acidity complements ginger-based stir-fries. Pair it with Indian curries featuring sweet spices like cardamom and cinnamon, or Thai dishes with coconut milk, where its creamy texture balances the bold flavors. It also pairs beautifully with crispy duck with hoisin sauce, miso-glazed salmon, and spicy tuna rolls, offering a harmonious interplay of richness and vibrancy. Each pairing highlights the wine’s tropical, floral, and mature complexity.
