Planeta Didacus 2021

Region and Vineyards

Planeta Didacus is produced in the prestigious Menfi DOC region of Sicily, Italy. The vineyards are located in the historical estate of Ulmo at Sambuca di Sicilia and the nearby Maroccoli vineyard. Ulmo's vineyard, planted in 1985, sits at an altitude of 250 meters and features soils of average texture with abundant pebbles and sections of dark, vegetable matter. Maroccoli's vineyard, situated at 415 meters, is characterized by lime-rich soils with a chalky composition, enhancing the mineral quality of the wine.

The vineyards are managed following organic agriculture principles and the SOStain® protocol, which includes ground cover with clover, vetch, yellow mustard, and wild plants to increase organic matter and nitrogen content, promoting soil vitality. Plant health is maintained with minimal use of sulfur and copper, while natural methods such as sexual confusion and applications of zeolite and kaolin are employed to control pests.

Winemaking

Planeta Didacus is crafted with 100% Chardonnay grapes, harvested manually between August 28th and 29th. The grapes are refrigerated for 12 hours before being meticulously hand-selected on a sorting table, with a discard rate of 13.2% to ensure only the highest quality grapes are used. The selected grapes undergo a three-hour maceration in an 80 quintal pneumatic press at around 13°C. Following maceration, the must yields approximately 56%.

The must undergoes static decantation at 10°C for 48 hours before the clear must is poured off and inoculated with S. cerevisiae yeast. Fermentation begins in barriques on September 2nd for nine days, with temperatures inside the barriques maintained between 19-22°C. After fermentation, the wine is aged in these barriques to develop its unique character.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep golden yellow with brilliant reflections.
• Aroma: A complex bouquet featuring stone fruits, floral notes, and a touch of Sicilian almond, candied fruit, orange peel, and anise seed.
• Palate: Rich and full-bodied, with flavors of ripe peaches, acacia honey, and marzipan. The wine offers a creamy texture balanced by a refreshing acidity and a slight mineral touch. The finish is long and harmonious, with lingering notes of peat, cereal, and toast.

Did you know?

Planeta Didacus is named in honor of Diego Planeta, the visionary behind the family's winemaking success. This wine represents the family's dedication to preserving tradition while embracing innovation, a fitting tribute to the man who significantly impacted Sicilian viticulture.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter: The wine's acidity and mineral notes complement the delicate sweetness of the scallops and the richness of the butter sauce.
• Lobster Thermidor: The creamy and rich flavors of the Chardonnay enhance the luxurious and savory elements of this classic dish.
• Roast Chicken with Truffle Cream Sauce: The wine's complex bouquet and balanced acidity pair beautifully with the earthy truffle and succulent roast chicken.
• Risotto alla Milanese: The wine’s richness and subtle nutty flavors harmonize with the creamy texture and saffron notes of this traditional Italian risotto.

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​