Planeta Burdese 2018

Region and Vineyards

Planeta Burdese hails from the Menfi DOC in Sicily, an area renowned for its diverse microclimates and rich viticultural history. The Menfi territory, located at an altitude of 400 meters, is home to over 250 hectares of vineyards. The Dispensa vineyard, dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon, features moderately deep, limey soils with mixed yellow and dark grey chalk, providing an ideal environment for international grape varieties. The Maroccoli vineyard, where the Cabernet Franc is grown, boasts soils rich in stones and moderately chalky with abundant loamy sections, benefiting from a unique microclimate influenced by breezes from the nearby sea.

Sicily's climate is characterized by its hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, creating optimal conditions for grape growing. This combination of climate and soil contributes to the development of rich, concentrated flavors in the grapes, essential for producing high-quality wines like Planeta Burdese.

Winemaking

Planeta Burdese is crafted from a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc. The winemaking process begins with the hand-harvesting of grapes from the Dispensa vineyard in early September, followed by the Maroccoli vineyard later in the month. The grapes are then immediately pressed and destemmed, and the crushed grapes are placed in stainless steel tanks for fermentation.

The fermentation process lasts 6-8 days at controlled temperatures, starting at 15-16°C and gradually rising to 28°C. This method ensures the optimal extraction of color, tannins, and aromas. After fermentation, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks to soften the acidity and enhance the mouthfeel. The wine is then aged for 14 months in French oak barriques, which imparts additional complexity and structure to the final product.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep, intense ruby red with garnet reflections.
• Aroma: A rich and complex bouquet featuring notes of black cherry, plum, and blackcurrant, complemented by hints of spice, tobacco, and dark chocolate.
• Palate: Full-bodied and robust, with a harmonious balance of ripe fruit flavors and well-integrated tannins. The finish is long and persistent, with a touch of oak and a subtle mineral undertone.

Did you know?

Planeta Burdese derives its name from the Sicilian dialect for Bordeaux, reflecting the wine’s inspiration from the great red blends of the Bordeaux region. The Planeta family, with their deep roots in Sicilian viticulture, has successfully adapted these classic French varieties to the unique terroir of Sicily, producing a wine that is both distinctive and true to its origins.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Osso Buco: The rich, slow-cooked flavors of this traditional Italian dish complement the robust structure and tannins of Planeta Burdese.
• Roast Lamb: The savory, herbaceous notes of roast lamb pair beautifully with the wine’s complex bouquet and full-bodied palate.
• Aged Pecorino Cheese: The sharp, nutty flavors of aged Pecorino enhance the wine’s depth and highlight its subtle oak and mineral undertones.
• Ratatouille: The vibrant, earthy flavors of this classic Provençal vegetable dish harmonize with the wine’s rich fruit and spice notes.

History of Planeta Estate

Planeta's winemaking journey began in 1984, initiated by Vito Planeta and further developed by his son, Diego Planeta. Diego was a visionary who transformed the family's agricultural operations into a modern winery. His efforts were crucial in elevating the status of Sicilian wines on the global stage. Under his leadership, Planeta embraced a philosophy that combined traditional winemaking with modern techniques, setting a high standard for quality.

The next generation, including Diego's children Francesca, Alessio, and Santi, continued this legacy by expanding the winery across various regions in Sicily. Their innovative approach and dedication to sustainability have solidified Planeta’s reputation as a leader in the wine industry. Today, Planeta operates multiple estates across Sicily, each specializing in different grape varieties and wine styles.

Region and Vineyards

Planeta's vineyards are spread across five key regions in Sicily, each offering unique terroirs that contribute to the diverse portfolio of wines. These regions are Menfi, Vittoria, Noto, Etna, and Capo Milazzo. The varied climates, altitudes, and soil compositions across these regions allow Planeta to cultivate a wide range of grape varieties, producing wines that are true expressions of their origins.

The Menfi region is home to the Ulmo and Dispensa estates, located near Lake Arancio and the Mediterranean Sea. These estates are characterized by diverse soils and microclimates, ideal for cultivating a variety of grapes including Chardonnay, Nero d'Avola, and Syrah. The vineyards are managed with an emphasis on organic practices and sustainability.

The Dorilli estate in Vittoria is known for producing Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG wines, Sicily's only DOCG. The fine red sandy soils here are perfect for growing Nero d'Avola and Frappato, resulting in wines with a unique expression of the terroir.

In Noto, the Buonivini estate is famous for its "invisible winery" that blends seamlessly into the landscape. The region’s extreme microclimate and limestone soils are ideal for Nero d'Avola and Moscato Bianco, producing wines with exceptional aromatic intensity and complexity.

The Feudo di Mezzo estate on the northern slopes of Mount Etna benefits from volcanic soils rich in minerals. At altitudes between 610 and 860 meters, the vineyards are ideal for cultivating Nerello Mascalese and Carricante, which thrive in the unique conditions created by the volcanic activity.

The La Baronia estate in Capo Milazzo is a small but innovative vineyard that focuses on ancient grape varieties. This estate supports local socio-cultural initiatives, reflecting Planeta’s commitment to community and sustainability.

Planeta Wine Range

Planeta produces a diverse range of wines, each showcasing the unique characteristics of Sicily's terroirs. Here are a few examples:

• Chardonnay Sicilia Menfi DOC: This iconic Chardonnay is grown in the Ulmo vineyard in Menfi. It is known for its rich and complex profile, characterized by tropical fruit flavors, balanced acidity, and a touch of oak from barrel aging. The wine showcases the perfect synergy between Sicilian terroir and this classic grape variety.

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  Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG: The only DOCG wine in Sicily, Cerasuolo di Vittoria is a blend of Nero d'Avola and Frappato from the Dorilli estate. It is characterized by vibrant red fruit flavors, floral notes, and a balanced, elegant structure. The fine sandy soils of Vittoria contribute to its fresh and lively profile.
• Etna Rosso DOC: Produced from Nerello Mascalese grapes grown on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, this wine embodies the unique terroir of the region. It features aromas of red berries, spices, and herbs, with a firm tannic structure and a distinct mineral finish. The high-altitude vineyards of Feudo di Mezzo lend elegance and finesse to the wine.
• Mamertino DOC: This historic wine, favored by Julius Caesar, is crafted from a blend of Nero d'Avola and Nocera grapes. It exhibits rich fruit flavors, aromatic spices, and a smooth, well-rounded palate. The La Baronia estate in Capo Milazzo provides the perfect conditions for producing this unique and storied wine.
• Santa Cecilia IGT Sicilia: Santa Cecilia is Planeta's flagship wine, made entirely from Nero d'Avola grapes grown in Noto. It offers a deep, complex bouquet of dark fruits, balsamic notes, and spices, with a powerful yet refined structure. This wine represents the pinnacle of Nero d'Avola, showcasing the variety's potential for elegance and longevity.
• Burdese IGT Sicilia: A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, Burdese is a powerful and structured wine. It features rich flavors of dark berries, cedar, and tobacco, with firm tannins and a long, complex finish. Aged in oak barrels, it showcases the potential of Bordeaux varieties in Sicily's unique terroir.

Did you know?

Planeta’s La Baronia estate supports the Fondazione Lucifero, a foundation that aids children in need. Additionally, Planeta collaborates with the Vivi Sano Onlus to create a 'Park of Health' in Palermo and partners with Oxfam to support women in farming, promoting sustainable food practices globally​