Planeta Chardonnay 2022

Region and Vineyards

Planeta Chardonnay is produced in the Menfi DOC region of Sicily, Italy. The vineyards, located in Ulmo and Maroccoli, benefit from unique terroirs and sustainable farming practices. The Ulmo vineyard sits at an altitude of 250 meters, featuring soils of average texture, moderate depth, and abundant structure with pebbles and vegetable components. The Maroccoli vineyard is higher, at 415 meters, with lime-rich soils and a chalky composition that enhances the mineral quality of the wine.

The vineyards are managed under organic agriculture and the SOStain® protocol. This includes ground cover with clover, vetch, yellow mustard, and wild plants to increase soil organic matter and nitrogen content, fostering soil vitality. Plant health is maintained with minimal use of sulphur and copper, while natural methods such as sexual confusion and applications of zeolite and kaolin are used to control pests. Harvesting takes place between August 10th and 31st, ensuring optimal ripeness and health of the grapes.

Winemaking

The winemaking process for Planeta Chardonnay  involves meticulous care from vineyard to bottle. The grapes are handpicked and transported in 16 kg crates to preserve their integrity. After destemming and crushing, the grapes undergo soft pressing and static sedimentation at 6-7°C. The clear juice is then fermented in 225-liter French oak barrels at 17-19°C for 5 to 7 days.

Post-fermentation, the wine matures on its primary lees with regular bâtonnage—weekly for the first five months, then bi-weekly until completion at 11 months. This aging process occurs in 225-liter Allier oak barrels, with 40% new, 30% second usage, and 30% third usage. This precise barrel regimen imparts a balanced complexity and richness to the wine. The final bottling took place in June.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Rich light gold, deep yet transparent.
• Aroma: An enticing bouquet of ripe yellow peaches, acacia honey, and marzipan, complemented by subtle notes of peat, cereal, and toast.
• Palate: The wine is both creamy and crunchy, offering a pleasing contrast. It is soft and supported by a refreshing acidity, with a slight mineral touch that harmoniously blends with the ripe fruit flavors and hints of Sicilian almond, candied fruit, orange peel, and anise seed. The finish is powerful and balanced, evoking the soft sea breezes of Menfi.

Did you know?

Planeta Chardonnay, first produced in 1994, has become an icon of Sicilian wine, illustrating the region's ability to produce world-class Chardonnay. The wine reflects the Planeta family's commitment to sustainability and innovation in winemaking, rooted in their long history dating back to the 1600s.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Seared Foie Gras: The richness and acidity of the wine complement the creamy texture and savory flavors of foie gras.
• Roast Veal with Mushroom Sauce: The wine’s depth and complexity enhance the umami flavors of the veal and mushrooms.
• Grilled Lobster with Herb Butter: The Chardonnay’s mineral notes and vibrant acidity cut through the richness of the lobster, creating a harmonious pairing.

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​