At a glance

Producer

Zabu

Region

Sicilia, Italy

Grape variety

Nerello Mascalese, Nero d'Avola

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$12-20 USD

Tasting profile

Red cherry, dried plum, licorice, and smoky overtones; palate softened with tertiary notes such as leather or earth.

Evolution: Primary fruit nearly gone, more earth, spice, and leather tones emerging; gentle, integrated structure.

At peak: At its best between 2015–2018, with vibrant fruit and aromatic lift. Now in its decline phase, but can show elegant maturity.

Structure

Acidity

Medium

Tannins

Medium, rounded with age

Alcohol

Medium (13-13.5%)

Aging potential

Modest; designed for early to mid-term consumption, not for long cellaring.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2015 to 2018

Optimal window

2013 to 2020

Current status

Mature; likely at or just past optimal drinking window.

Current condition

Should be consumed soon if not already; likely softened fruit, gentle tannin, developing tertiary notes.

Zabu Il Passo is made in a modern, forward style emphasizing ripe fruit and immediate drinkability, with only moderate capacity for aging. 2011s are now mature or past peak for this wine, with remaining bottles showing more tertiary character and fading freshness.

Food pairing

Grilled lamb, roasted eggplant, hard cheeses, or Sicilian meat stews; match with savory dishes to complement softened structure.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has medium tannins and is 14 years old, which suggests it may benefit from aeration to enhance its aromas and flavors.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 4/10

Producer Zabu, part of Fantini Group (Farnese Vini), has progressively implemented sustainability efforts—though post-2011 these have increased. In 2011, farming was conventional, with limited environmental practices. Modern releases have more focus on energy-efficient winemaking and reduced chemical inputs, but 2011 vintage preceded these efforts.

The 2011 vintage was made prior to more modern sustainability initiatives from the producer, who only adopted broader eco-friendly and quality-assurance standards in later years. No organic or sustainability certification was in place for this vintage. Farming was conventional, with little documentation on water conservation or renewable energy at production site. For global consumers, the need for international shipping increases the wine’s carbon footprint considerably compared to local products. Overall, Zabu’s 2011 Il Passo scores a below-average sustainability rating for its era and production context.