PLANETA

Sicily, Italy

Since its inception in 1985 the Planeta winery has in a relatively short space of time established itself as one of the most dynamic and quality orientated wineries in the whole of Italy. The fact that the estate is based in the south west corner of Sicily – an island which for so long has been a quality winemaking backwater – makes the achievement all the more remarkable. Run by cousins Francesca, Alessio and Santi Planeta the estate won the coveted Cantina dell’Anno (Italian winery of the year award) in 1999 and has gone from strength to strength in the intervening years.

The Estate’s international reputation was founded on the quality of its Chardonnay – which remains a benchmark for Italian white wines – but the family has long believed in the potential quality of local Sicilian grape varieties and is now makes outstanding wines from the likes of Nero D’Avola and Frappato. Improvements and investment continue apace, the new olive oil press is open and produced its inaugural 2003 vintage and the new winery in Noto was also up and running for the 2003 vintage. 2003 also saw the purchase of further land in Vittoria to augment the DOC project that is already underway and which saw its first fruits with the release of the Cerasuolo di Vittoria, and sees stage two with the arrival of the Moscato di Noto. The energy and vision of the team at Planeta continue to make it one of the most exciting wineries in our entire portfolio.

Four wineries, three provinces, a single affinity, a single theme which unites southern Sicily from east to west. Noto, Vittoria, Sambuca and Menfi. The birthplace of Planeta wines lies within these four areas which are the hottest and driest parts of the whole island, and all fairly close to the sea.
But the resemblance finishes here and the many differences must be reckoned; the soil, the vines, the altitude, the wind, among so many others.
When there is dawn in Noto, it is still dark in Menfi; and when the sun sets in Vittoria, it is still dusk at Sambuca. And then there are all the responsibilities which depend on man; the strength to gamble, the power of optimism, and the conviction that the potential of action can be effective even here in Sicily.

Merlot
Immediate bilberry notes followed by floral bouquet, vanilla and toasty finish on the nose. The palate shows a lovely texture and velvety richness in the mouth, it is well supported by acidity and creamy, elegant tannins. Very persistent with a fresh and pleasant length.

Colour:Intense red with a strong ruby hue.

Nose:Complex mineral notes of graphite and flint alongside red berries, plums, bilberry and mulberry highlighted with hints of balsam, musk, laurel and leather.

Palate:Elegantly refined, spicey and lingering with a touch of mint. The lively tannins balance the ripe fruits and a sheen of cleansing acidity wraps everything up in a satisfyingly textured and lengthy finish.

Syrah
Ruby red to deep purple tones. Intense and persistent on the nose with notes of black fruits like cherry and blackberry; chocolate, leather and spices integrated with creamy vanilla and nut coming from the wood. On the palate the wine is full bodied, velvety and warm. Ending with soft and sweet tannins and with a long sumptuous finish.
Colour: Ruby red with violet undertones.

Nose: Displays intense characteristics of peppers, spices and berry fruits attributed to the hot Sicilian sun, more in keeping with the New World rather than French styles. Oak ageing has added complex aromas of figs and cocoa.

Palate: Luscious and supple in texture, both the tannin and fruit are young and fresh and bring a lasting power to the palate. It's beauty lies in it's complexity though, rather than it's concentration.

Chardonnay
Golden yellow with greenish hue. On the nose it comes across very intense, with citrus fruit flavours, chestnut, honey and a spicy complexity.

Colour: Golden yellow with a bright, greenish hue.

Nose: Very intense, fruity bouquet with citrus, lime and peachy notes, lightly balsamic with hints of mint and sage, nutty tones and orange blossom.

Palate: Dry and elegant with a good balance of fresh acidity and a supple, aromatic persistance, very well integrated, complex oak characters add depth to this beautifuly well crafted wine.

Cometa
Deep straw yellow in colour with a green hue. Intense and full of character, with integrated aromatic notes of citrus and tropical fruit, white peach, pink grapefruit and wisteria. On the palate it has plenty of character with elegantly mineral elements. The acidity is well integrated with the fruit, making for a harmonious whole which is without a doubt one of the finest examples of this variety to be found anywhere on the planet.

La Segreta Bianco
Vibrant and aromatic with notes of citrus fruits, lychee, pineapple and peach complemented by hints of minerals, herbs and mint. Full and dry, smooth and supple with balancing acidity and a long, minty finish.

Colour: Straw yellow with a light, greenish hue.

Nose: Broad and lively aromatic bouquet combining citrus, lychee, pineapple, kumquat and peach with mineral and herbal notes, hints of flint, peppers and wild mint.

Palate: Full, dry and balanced by the acidity typical of this vintage leaving a long finish. The wine is smooth and supple with a satisfying aftertaste of mint.

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