Since it was founded in 1982, 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, Zema draws on the traditions of its Italian heritage while demonstrating a deep respect for its Coonawarra provenance.
Nick Zema recently completed his 44th vintage, and the winery is still proudly family-owned and independent. It’s a remarkable achievement but Zema isn’t resting on its laurels. It continues to evolve, with a major redevelopment program underway at its winery block, and certification from Sustainable Winegrowing Australia in both its winery and its vineyards.
Prime Coonawarra vineyards
Zema Estate now has 150 acres of vines in three prime Coonawarra locations, a far cry from the family’s initial purchase of 20 acres in 1982. It remains committed to using only estate-grown fruit and minimal irrigation. A brand refresh in 2023 saw the introduction of new labels with a more elegant, contemporary look.
Noted particularly for its Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, Zema Estate is known for the consistency, intense fruit and excellent varietal definition of its wines. Its Family Selection wines are big, rich wines produced in limited quantities, with long maturation and three years of bottle-ageing prior to release. Its Estate wines are more medium-bodied, yet still very elegant with seamlessly integrated oak.
We had the pleasure of sampling the following three Estate reds in Zema’s latest release:
Zema Estate 2021 Cluny Cabernet Merlot, RRP $24.99: This is such a deliciously opulent wine for the price. Bursting with flavours of plum, sweet cherry, and vanilla, it has fine soft tannins and is very easy drinking. A touch of Malbec and Cabernet Franc in the blend adds layers of complexity. All in all, it’s a fine drop for winter quaffing.
Zema Estate 2021 Shiraz, RRP $27.99: Elegant and beautifully balanced with generous flavours of cherry, raspberry and blackberry alongside savoury olive notes, this lovely Shiraz hooks us in with hints of chocolate and mint.
Zema Estate 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, RRP $30.50: Quintessentially Coonawarra, with hints of licorice and eucalypt peeking out from behind a smooth delivery of blackberry and earthy vanilla notes. Like the Shiraz, the Cabernet has had a few years ageing in the bottle but could easily be cellared for a few more years, perhaps even a decade if you can wait.
Zema Estate’s cellar door, in the heart of Coonawarra’s famous terra rossa strip, is a must visit for anyone visiting the region. There are regular tastings and events, often with an Italian theme, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to explore the winemaking and viticulture philosophies that have shaped this family-run business for more than 40 years.
Coming up on Sunday, July 20, there’s an opportunity to step behind the scenes for an immersive Winery Tour & Tasting. As part of the Coonawarra Cellar Dwellers program, guests are invited to join Nick Zema for a tasting in the estate’s private museum. Current releases will feature alongside rare cellar treasures. The cost of $50 per person includes a light grazing platter. More details here.
Zema Estate is one of 26 wineries taking part in the Coonawarra 2025 Wine Tasting Roadshow in cities around Australia over the coming months. For more details, visit the Coonawarra Vignerons website here.
Zema Estate
14944 Riddoch Highway
Coonawarra, South Australia
Tel: +61 (0)8 8736 3219
www.zema.com.a
