Planeta Santa Cecilia Noto 2020

Region and Vineyards

The Noto DOC region, located in the extreme southeast of Sicily, is renowned for its ideal conditions for cultivating Nero d'Avola. The Buonivini vineyards, specifically the Zuppardo and Agliastro vineyards, feature soils composed of lime marl with abundant small stones and light-colored fragments of chalk. These soils, coupled with breezes from the confluence of two seas, provide the perfect environment for growing this indigenous grape.

Planeta’s Santa Cecilia represents the culmination of extensive research to identify the best location for producing high-quality Nero d'Avola. The vineyards are managed according to organic agriculture principles and the SOStain® protocol, ensuring the vitality of the soil through ground cover crops and minimal use of chemicals.

Winemaking

This vintage began with the hand harvesting of Nero d'Avola grapes at the end of September. After pressing and destemming, the grapes were fermented in stainless steel tanks with temperatures initially maintained at 14-15 °C, rising to 24-25 °C towards the end. The fermentation lasted 7-8 days, followed by a long maceration period of 30-35 days with the skins in contact with the wine.

The wine underwent malolactic fermentation in stainless steel, then matured in French oak barrels (10% new wood, 20% second use, 35% third use, and 35% fourth use) until June. The final product is a 100% Nero d'Avola wine, renowned for its elegance, power, and balance.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby red.
• Aroma: Opens with notes of Mediterranean macchia and aromas of seaweed piled on Sicilian beaches. The red fruit includes sour cherry and very ripe blackberry; the citrus notes are bergamot and bitter orange. The spices are carob flour and incense.
• Palate: The ripe fruit combines well with the wood tannins, presenting a densely textured tannin structure. The wine is complex, with a distinct and unmistakable personality.

Did you know?

The name Santa Cecilia derives from the Planeta family's historical name, "Planeta di Santa Cecilia." This wine represents the family's deep connection to Sicily and their commitment to showcasing the island's premier grape, Nero d'Avola, at its best. Planeta's dedication to environmental sustainability and organic farming practices is reflected in every bottle, making Santa Cecilia a true expression of Sicilian terroir​​​​.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Red Meat: Pairs wonderfully with well-matured and marbled red meats, enhancing their rich flavors.
• Game: The wine’s robust structure complements the intense flavors of game, such as venison or wild boar.
• Lamb: Ideal with lamb dishes, particularly those featuring rich, savory sauces.
• Sliced Sausage: The complex flavors of Santa Cecilia are a perfect match for high-quality, artisanal sausages.

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​