Planeta Frappato Vittoria 2023

Region and Vineyards

Vittoria DOC, located in the southeastern part of Sicily, is renowned for its distinctive terroir, characterized by its loose red sandy soils. This unique soil composition, coupled with the region's proximity to the sea, creates an optimal environment for cultivating Frappato. The vineyards of Dorilli and Mogli, dedicated to Frappato and Nero d’Avola, span 34 hectares and benefit from the sandy texture, which imparts a signature aromatic profile to the wine.

Frappato is a rare grape variety, cultivated on only a few hectares within Vittoria. The area's fine, light red sands significantly influence the aromatic complexity of the wines. This terroir, combined with careful vineyard management, ensures the production of wines that are both expressive and reflective of their unique origin.

Winemaking

This vintage of Planeta Frappato Vittoria was harvested between September 20th and 22nd. The grapes were meticulously gathered by hand, ensuring only the best fruit was selected. Following harvesting, the grapes were destalked and pressed before being transferred to stainless steel tanks. The fermentation process was carefully managed, lasting 7-8 days, with the skins remaining in contact with the wine for an additional 10-13 days post-fermentation. This process enhances the extraction of flavors and aromas, leading to a wine that truly embodies its varietal characteristics.

The winemaking approach prioritizes the protection of the skins and fruit, with gentle stirring and short pumping over sessions to maintain the integrity and purity of the grape's expression. The result is a wine that showcases the elegant and aromatic potential of Frappato, crafted with precision and care by winemaker Patricia Toth.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright ruby red, reflecting its youthful vibrancy.
• Aroma: Aromas of rose and candied violet dominate, accompanied by subtle smoky notes.
• Palate: The palate is rich with red fruit, including cherries and strawberries, complemented by delicate balsamic tones. The wine offers a refreshing and versatile profile, ideal for various culinary pairings.

Did you know?

The Frappato grape variety is believed to derive its name from the Italian word "fruttato," meaning "fruity." This highlights the grape's inherent fruit-forward characteristics. Moreover, Frappato is often blended with Nero d’Avola to create Cerasuolo di Vittoria, Sicily's only DOCG wine, showcasing its versatility and importance in the region's winemaking heritage​​​​.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Rigatoni all’Amatriciana: The wine's red fruit and balsamic notes complement the rich tomato sauce and pancetta, enhancing the dish's flavors.
• Spaghetti alla Bolognese: The bright acidity and fruitiness of the Frappato balance the hearty meat sauce, creating a harmonious pairing.
• Lasagne: The layers of pasta, meat, and béchamel sauce are beautifully uplifted by the wine's aromatic complexity and vibrant palate.
• Cheeseburgers: Surprisingly versatile, the Frappato pairs well with the savory flavors of a cheeseburger, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the dish.

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​