Planeta Mamertino 2019

Region and Vineyards

The Mamertino DOC has a history dating back to 289 B.C., originally produced by the proud people of the Mamertini. The La Baronia vineyard, located near Capo Milazzo at 40 meters above sea level, is Planeta's smallest winery. This 8-hectare vineyard is surrounded by 20 hectares of ancient olive groves and benefits from alluvial soils that are loose, dark, and deep, with a moderate amount of granite and rich silt content. A layer of mixed volcanic ash, blown in from Etna, lies at about 50-60 cm deep, adding to the soil's complexity.

Planeta's commitment to environmental sustainability is evident in their organic agriculture practices and the SOStain® protocol. Ground cover with barley, vetch, oats, and wildflowers increases organic material and nitrogen content, enhancing the soil's vitality. Plant health is maintained with minimal use of sulfur and copper, and natural defenses like zeolite, kaolin, and vegetable extracts.

Winemaking

This vintage began with the hand harvesting of Nero d'Avola from September 6th to 9th and Nocera from September 11th to 13th. The grapes were gathered into small crates and, upon arrival at the winery, were selected, destemmed, and fermented in stainless steel vats. The grapes remained on the skins for 14-17 days at around 25 °C, with repeated pump-overs. After soft pressing and racking, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation in stainless steel.

The wine was then matured for 12 months in 25 hl casks, and bottled in May. The final blend consists of 60% Nero d'Avola and 40% Nocera, producing a balanced and expressive wine.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Intense and brilliant red with violet reflections.
• Aroma: Explosive aromas of Mediterranean maquis, blue fruit, and jam.
• Palate: Dense but not excessive tannins, well integrated with the wood. It offers a lively palate with a full-bodied, rounded finish and notes of mulberry.

Did you know?

The Mamertino DOC, praised by ancient figures such as Pliny and Julius Caesar, is produced at the historic site of Mylae (Milazzo). Planeta collaborates with the Fondazione Barone Lucifero, the landowner, to finance socio-cultural and assistance activities for local children at La Baronia​​​​.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Home-Made Starters: Perfect with a variety of homemade appetizers, enhancing their flavors with its rich profile.
• Pasta with Ragoût: Complements the hearty and savory notes of a traditional meat ragoût.
• Artichokes Cooked Any Way: Versatile enough to pair well with the unique flavors of artichokes, whether grilled, steamed, or roasted.
• Lamb and Grouper Casserole: Balances the robust flavors of lamb and the delicate taste of grouper, creating a harmonious culinary experience.

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​