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.

Menfi, in the southeastern portion of Sicily, is the heart of Planeta and its operational base. Various types of soil are found here, but all are rich in lime and clay, ideal for the international red grape varieties which are transformed into wine at La Dispensa winery – Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

Production Area
Menfi, Sicily, Italy

Grape Varieties
100% Merlot

Vinification
The grapes are de-stemmed and crushed; extraction on skins followed by 14 days of maceration at 28°C with fermentation taking place in stainless steel tanks. After racking, the wine matures for 12 months in French oak barrels

Color
Intense ruby red

Bouquet
Refined scents of blackcurrant, ripe prune and violet, with a whisper of mint chocolate. Penetrating notes of sage and bay leaves evolve

Taste
Full, velvety and lingering on the palate. Fruit flavors, tannins and a light acidity are in harmonious balance

Alcohol
14%

Serving Suggestions
Enjoy with grilled meats, hearty vegetable dishes and stews