Download Complete Production Notes

Planeta is a Journey through Sicily.

And that journey begins at Sambuca di Sicilia, on the estate which the Planeta family has owned since the 1600s. Here on Italy’s most enchanting island, three enthusiastic young Sicilians, Alessio, Francesca and Santi Planeta, began their winemaking venture in the mid-1980s. Subsequent years were spent matching the extraordinarily diverse Sicilian soils with both indigenous and international varieties. Years of careful research paid off when the Planeta wines were met with immediate critical acclaim upon introduction in the U.S. in the late 1990s.

The natural progress of Planeta’s journey necessarily lead to Etna, to the “Muntagna” as it is called, with respect, by its inhabitants. A fascinating terroir with great potential, where Sicily is shown in a unique manner resulting from the area’s soil and microclimate. These elements inspired Planeta from the beginning with an environment different from what they were used to. Harvests at the end of October, cool – if not downright cold temperatures and thus different wines, different aromas and a completely different approach.

Production Area
The area is extraordinarily rich with minerals and black lava sand like the stones of the local old buildings and terraces.

Grape Varieties
100% Carricante

Vinification
Grapes were harvested on October 5. The grapes are soft pressed intact and not destemmed. There is a pre-fermentation maceration of 6 hours at a cool 8˚C (46˚F). The must is then racked and inoculated with yeast and fermented at 15˚C (59˚F) for 20 days. The wine remains on the lees in stainless steel until February with continuous agitation. There is no Malolactic fermentation. After bottling, the wine is kept for 7 months in the cellar for aging.

Color
Almost pale yellow with green reflections

Bouquet
Green apple, typical of the vines grown at an altitude. White flowers and wild honey. Hints of mineral and a very evident mint.

Taste
A mineral freshness due to the volcanic soil and the altitude.

Alcohol
13%

Serving Suggestions
An outstanding match for ravioli with fish and lemon sauce, handmade pasta with truffles, and grilled meats. After some years of bottle aging, enjoyable with mature cheeses.