Planeta Contrada Taccione Etna Bianco 2023

Region and Vineyards

On Sicily's northeastern edge, Etna is Europe's tallest active volcano and one of Italy's most distinctive terroirs. High altitudes, strong diurnal swings and porous lava sands deliver naturally high acidity and a palpable mineral expression in whites. Carricante, Etna's flagship white grape, thrives here—often compared for its tension and citrus-mineral drive to cool-climate benchmarks—thanks to elevations that can push toward 1,000 m and well-drained volcanic soils.

Contrada Taccione sits in Castiglione di Sicilia, in the Montelaguardia vineyard, at 690-720 m. The ground is black with lava sands, strewn with large mineral-rich stones and bordered by woodland and recent lava flows—conditions that concentrate aroma while preserving freshness. Planting density is 5,050 vines/ha on Guyot trellising; cultivation is certified organic under SOStain® protocols, with cover crops to boost soil life and low-impact plant health strategies (sulphur/copper, beneficial insects, zeolite and kaolin).

Winemaking

This wine is 100% Carricante from Montelaguardia, harvested by hand between 27 September and 2 October. Grapes arrive in small crates, are chilled overnight to 6-8 °C, hand-sorted, lightly destemmed and softly pressed. The must settles for three to four days, then ferments at ~15 °C: 80% stainless steel for precision and 20% in 25-50 hl Nevers oak tonneaux for gentle texture.

Maturation continues in the same vessels until March with agitation of the fine lees for mid-palate creaminess before first bottling in June 2024. Analytical profile: 13.5% alc., TA 5.75 g/L, pH 3.31. The result is a sleek, saline Etna Bianco balancing stone-fruit flesh with volcanic tension, intended to drink well on release yet hold 5-7 years.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale to medium straw with green glints; brilliant clarity.
• Aroma: White acacia, fresh almond and mountain peach layered with wet stone and a faint, elegant wood note fused to Etna's smoky minerality.
• Palate: Lithe and vibrant; yellow plum and prickly-pear flesh framed by brisk acidity and a saline, stony finish. Subtle lees roundness adds glide without sacrificing cut.

Did you know?

Planeta is a founding force behind Sicily's SOStain® initiative. In 2024, SOStain helped bring a recycled-glass bottle plant to the island—enabling lighter, lower-impact bottles (around 410 g) and shrinking transport emissions—an effort in which Alessio Planeta played a leading role.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Crudo di mare (tuna, sea bream, citrus zest): The wine's high acidity and saline snap refresh the palate and echo the sea-spray notes.
• Spaghetti alle vongole: Briny clam sweetness meets volcanic minerality; vibrant citrus cuts the dish's olive-oil richness.
• Goat's cheese with herbs: Carricante's tang and almond nuance complement creamy, lactic textures and herbal lift.
• Grilled prawns with fennel & lemon: Aniseed and citrus chime with the wine's fennel-citrus spectrum and savory finish.

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​