Planeta Etna Rosso 2022

Region and Vineyards

The Etna DOC region, particularly the vineyards surrounding Mount Etna, is renowned for its historic eruptions that have shaped the landscape. The vineyards of Feudo di Mezzo and Pietramarina, located in Castiglione di Sicilia (CT), sit at altitudes of 610 meters and 510 meters above sea level, respectively. These vineyards benefit from black lava sands and soils rich in minerals, providing an exceptional environment for the cultivation of Nerello Mascalese.

Planeta manages these vineyards according to organic agriculture principles and the SOStain® protocol. The ground cover of wild plants enhances the organic content of the soil, and plant health is maintained with minimal use of sulfur and copper, supplemented by natural protective measures such as zeolite, kaolin, and vegetable extracts.

Winemaking

The vintage began with the hand harvesting of grapes from October 1st to 10th. The grapes were collected in small crates, refrigerated to 10 °C, and then hand-selected. After destemming, the grapes fermented in wooden vats and stainless steel tanks at temperatures up to 24 °C, with the skins remaining in contact with the wine for 16-18 days. The fermentation process included daily manual pressings or punch-downs.

The wine matured in wooden and stainless steel tanks for 6-8 months, and the first bottling occurred in August. The final product is a 100% Nerello Mascalese wine, known for its vibrant fruit and complex aromatic profile.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright ruby red with garnet reflections.
• Aroma: Vanilla, sour cherry, wild strawberry, and a very clean flowery touch. The bouquet evolves to include more complex aromatic intrusions of undergrowth, myrtle, and oriental spices.
• Palate: Fleshy and smooth in the mouth, with very expressive fruit flavors. The tasting profile includes emerging and exciting traces of iron, rhubarb, and black pepper, transforming it into a champion of red wines.

Did you know?

The Etna Rosso takes its name from Mount Etna, Europe's highest and most active volcano. The unique terroir of this region, with its volcanic soils and high altitudes, imparts distinct mineral characteristics to the wine. The combination of rich, dark lava sands and the cooling influence of the altitude creates a perfect environment for cultivating Nerello Mascalese, resulting in wines with exceptional depth, complexity, and a sense of place​​​​.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Pasta with Tomato Sauce: The wine's versatility makes it an excellent companion for simple pasta dishes, enhancing the tomato's natural sweetness and acidity.
• Meat Dishes: Pairs well with a variety of meat dishes, complementing their rich flavors with its complex aromatic profile.
• Fish Dishes: Surprisingly versatile, the wine can also accompany more complex fish dishes, balancing their flavors with its refined minerality.

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​