Planeta

Planeta origins are based in Sambuca di Sicilia. Their first winery was built on an estate that has been owned by the family since the 1600's. In 1995, the building of the Ulmo winery commenced and was built on the banks of the Arancio lake.

PLaneta wine

Planeta now consists of four wineries which stretch over three provinces. A new estate in Etna is currently being built. It lies on the northern slopes of Etna at 870 metres above sea level within the Comune of Castiglione di Sicilia and the district of Sciara Nuova. The four wineries (Noto, Vittoria, Sambuca and Menfi) are located in areas which are the hottest and driest parts of the whole island, and fairly close to the sea. When it is dawn in Noto, it is still dark in Menfi; and when the sun sets in Vittoria, it is still dusk in Sambuca!

The Planeta Wineries

Sambuca Di Sicilia - Ulmo

Ulmo stands on the banks of the Arancio lake, near the town of Sambuca di Sicilia, surrounded by vineyards and an ancient olive grove. Its architectural style is in keeping with the landscape and the traditions of the area. On the ground floor are fermentation vats, while on the floor below are the barriques for maturing the best selections of Chardonnay and Fiano. Its overall capacity is about 1200 barrels. The winery is devoted to the production and maturation of the white wines Alastro, Cometa and Chardonnay.

Due to its especially attractive situation and with its nearby 16th century farmhouse, the Ulmo winery is the most visited of Planeta's wineries.

Menfi - Dispensa

Dispensa is the heart of Planeta, especially because of its cutting-edge technology, production and administration as well as being the historic home of the Planeta family. It lies in the Dispensa area of Menfi town, and has two of the wineries, a themed library, administrative offices and a farmhouse along with homes for the family.

The first of the two wineries entered production in 2001 and is dedicated to producing the Merlot, Syrah and Burdese. The winery has a total capacity of 4000 hl and has its own bottling line. An underground area has been provided which has a total capacity of about 1500 barriques.

The second winery, named 'La Segreta', first vintage was in 2005 and produces the two wines La Segreta Bianco and La Segreta Rosso.

Noto - Buonivini

In 1998, Planeta acquired a farm of 60 hectares in the area of Noto in the province of Syracuse, enchanted by the beautiful surroundings and convinced that the area had potential for quality wine production.

The farm is located in an area know historically as "Buonivini" which means "Good Wines". 40 hectares of vines planted and Nero d'Avola and Moscato Bianco is grown here, the latter makes the D.O.C. "Moscato di Noto". The winery was open for the vintage 2003.

It was a very innovative project, combining the technical requirements of modern winemaking with contemporary architectural design. It was constructed underground so as to have the least environmental impact. This architecturally bold project creates a pleasant contrast with the gentle hills of eastern Sicily and the elegant farm house.

Vittoria - Dorilli

In 1997, 17 hectares of Nero d'Avola and Frappato were planted on an estate owned by the Dorilli family near Acate in the province of Ragusa. The Frappato grape which originated in the Ragusa area and the Nero d.Avola form the basis of 'Cerasuolo di Vittoria', which Planeta first used to produce the 2001 vintage. Cerasuolo di Vittorio, unique in taste and aroma, is an ancient and famous wine, a symbol of this area of Sicily. In 2002 a further 20 hectares were bought and planted, not far from the traditional family property. Later a new winery was built and is now entirely devoted to this wine. The ancient buildings surrounding it have been modernized in however they have kept their original style and are used as a marketing and exhibition space.

In June 2006 the D.O.C. Cerasuolo di Vottoria was promoted to 'D.O.C.G.', starting with the 2005 vintage. This is the first and only 'denominazione di origine controllata e "garantita"' in Sicily, an extremely proud moment in the history of Planeta.

PLANETA - Burdese IGT 2005

Grape Type: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc.
ABV: 14.45%.
Colour: Intense ruby red.
Nose: Deep and rich. An initially sweet profile recalling blackberry and sour cherry, followed by peppers, leather, light tobacco, cocoa and a hint of asphalt.
Palate: In the mouth full, forceful and energetic, with a voluminous but at the same time flowing structure. A long finish.
Vinification: The grapes are destemmed and crushed; extraction on skins followed by15/18 days of maceration. After racking the wine is matured in new French oak Allier barrels for 14 months. Malolactic fermentation in barrels.
Food Pairing: Well-flavoured cheeses, braised meats, beef fillet with black pepper.
Ageing Potential: To be drunk immediately or to keep up to 10 – 12 years.

On Special Offer - Was £19.19 - Now £17.71

PLANETA - Cerasuolo Di Vittoria DOCG

Grape Type: 60% Nero d’Avola, 40% Frappato.
ABV: 13.0%.
Colour: Ruby red with slight sour cherry glints.
Nose: Typical of the wines of Vittoria and its terroir. Aromas of small red fruits, strawberry, cherry, prickly pear, Etna dog rose conserves and fruit sweets. Very individual and recognisable.
Palate: Juicy, full and flowing with delicate velvety tannins.
Vinification: Destemming followed by 8 days of maceration on grape skins; after decanting, malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks.
Food Pairing: Well-flavoured cheeses, braised meats, beef fillet with black pepper.
Ageing Potential: To drink at once or keep for 4-5 years, following its evolution.

On Special Offer - Was £11.59 - Now £10.30

PLANETA - Chardonnay 2007

Grape Type: 100% Chardonnay.
ABV: 14.0%.
Colour: Golden yellow with bright greenish hue.
Nose: Refined aromas of apricot, hawthorn, hay and vanilla cream. Citrus fruit perfumes. The wood is delicate and hidden beneath the fruit fragrances.
Palate: Harmonious, rounded, satisfying. Full-bodied. Pleasant mineral notes appear in the prolonged finish.
Vinification: The grapes are crushed and destemmed; the juice is clarified through settling cold overnight and then inoculated with selected pure yeast. The fermentation and ageing is carried out in 225-litre French oak barrels, 50% new and 50% one year old. Malolactic fermentation in barrels for 15% of the total.
Food Pairing: Pasta with turbot flavoured with lemon, fresh tagliolini with truffle, risotto with saffron and porcini. After some years of maturing, with blue cheese.
Ageing Potential: To be drunk immediately or to be kept up to 6-8 years.

On Special Offer - Was £19.19 - Now £17.71

PLANETA - Cometa IGT (Fiano) 2007

Grape Type: 100% Fiano.
ABV: 14.5%.
Colour: Straw yellow with evident green tints.
Nose: As always, abounding with aromas of white flowers, thyme and camomile. Citrus hints of tangerine, lychee and mint.
Palate: Elegant and voluptuous. Expressive and enveloping, well supported by a fresh acidity. Mineral notes which well express the terroir. A full and progressive finish.
Vinification: Destemming followed by gentle crushing and static settling at a low temperature. Inoculated with selected yeasts when clear.
Food Pairing: Carpaccio of raw and/or smoked fish, oysters and grilled shellfish. Prawns with saffron.
Ageing Potential: To be drunk immediately or to keep for several years. (2001 can be tried now).

On Special Offer - Was £19.19 - Now £17.71

PLANETA - La Segreta Rosso IGT 2007

Grape Type: 50% Nero d'Avola, 25% Merlot, 20% Syrah,5% Cabernet Franc.
ABV: 13.3%.
Colour: Ruby red laden with purple hue.
Nose: Red and black fruit exploding on the nose with redcurrant and cherry. Characteristic fierce hints of Nero d'Avola.
Palate: Full, enfolding the palate with a pleasant softness and velvety tannin. A wine of open and communicative character; a friendly wine.
Vinification: The grapes are destemmed and crushed; maceration on the skins for 10 – 14 days. After racking the wine is kept in stainless steel vessels.
Food Pairing: Ossobuco, barbecues, tapas, tagliatelle with game sauce.
Ageing Potential: To be drunk immediately or to keep for 2 – 3 years.

On Special Offer - Was £9.25 - Now £8.38

PLANETA - Merlot IGT 2005

Grape Type: 100% Merlot.
ABV: 14.8%.
Colour: Dense ruby red.
Nose: Refined scents of blackcurrant, ripe prune, candied violets. Yeasts, emerging hints of balsam and herbs.
Palate: Full and heavy overall, striking. Tannins are rendered manageable by its structure and considerable verve. Unending finish.
Vinification: The grapes are destemmed and crushed; extraction on skins followed by 14 days of maceration. After racking the wine is matured for 12 months in French oak barrels, a third of which are new.
Food Pairing: Veal pie with foie gras, venison in apple sauce, excellent with strongly flavoured mature cheeses. Potato and speck soup.
Ageing Potential: To be drunk immediately or to keep up to 8 – 10 years.

On Special Offer - Was £19.19 - Now £17.71

PLANETA - Rose IGT 2008

Grape Type: 100% Syrah.
ABV: 12.5%.
Colour: Intense ruby red.
Nose: Cerasuolo pink, luminous.
Palate: Aromas of red-berried fruit such as the wild strawberries of Ribera and pomegranate with a hint of seaweed.
Vinification: Aromas of red-berried fruit such as the wild strawberries of Ribera and pomegranate with a hint of seaweed.
Food Pairing: Ideal as aperitif, with white meat and lightly fried food. Air-dried ham or simply with peanuts and dried pistachios.
Ageing Potential: To be drunk young or kept for up to 2 years.

On Special Offer - Was £10.19 - Now £9.13

PLANETA - Santa Cecilia IGT (Nero d'Avola) 2005

Grape Type: 100% Nero d'Avola.
ABV: 14.3%.
Colour: Purple red with violet hue.
Nose: Lively and characteristic of Nero d'Avola grown in the Noto area. Prune, seasoned pomegranate, cake of strawberry. Carobs and fig preserve.
Elegant and compact tannins, sustained by an electric an vibrating acidity typical of Nero d'Avola from the South East of Sicily.
Palate: All meat and regional dishes. Wonderful with mushrooms, it withstands the oiliness of aromatic smoked hams and meats. Surprise your guests by pairing it with ethnic dishes.
Vinification: The grapes are destemmed and crushed; extraction on skins followed by 12 days of maceration. After racking the wine is matured for 12 months in two and three year old French oak barrels.
Food Pairing: Well-flavoured cheeses, braised meats, beef fillet with black pepper.
Ageing Potential: To be drunk immediately or to keep up to 8 – 10 years.

On Special Offer - Was £19.19 - Now £17.71

PLANETA - Syrah IGT 2006

Grape Type: 100% Syrah.
ABV: 14.8%.
Colour: Ruby red with violet undertones.
Nose: Complex and interesting bouquet. A combined spiciness of red fruit, including bilberries and blackberries. Hints of sage, black pepper and cinnamon.
Palate: The impact leaves no gaps. Rich and soft, with a refreshing liveliness and smooth tannins. A sunny and expressive Syrah.
Vinification: The grapes are destemmed and crushed; extraction on skins followed by 12 days of maceration at 25°C. After racking ageing for 12 months takes place in French oak barrels, of which a third are new.
Food Pairing: “Bucatini” (pasta) with pork and tomatoes, or pork and pecorino cheese. Mature cheese, beef fillet with sesame seeds, lamb with ginger sauce, cheeseburger with mushrooms, beef rib with herbs. Ideal at the wine bar with charcuterie and cheeses.
Ageing Potential: To be drunk immediately or to keep up to 5 – 7 years.

On Special Offer - Was £19.19 - Now £17.71