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| ~ Entrance to Planeta’s Estate in Dorilli ~ |
Since 1995, the Planeta family has dedicated itself to making premium wines from the vast and various geographic climates that the often barren Sicily exhibits. From simple wines like “La Segreta” to the topic of today’s article, production revolves around the wide array of terroir and indigenous grapes that Planeta proudly champions.
The family has an impressive constellation of estates that dot all the major winemaking regions of Sicily. With six distinctive properties, Winemaker Francesca Planeta crafts wonderful wines in varying styles.
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| ~ Family Proprietor – Francesca Planeta ~ |
The subject of today’s article is a little known DOCG wine called Cerasuolo di Vittoria. As Sicily’s only DOCG wine, by law Cerasuolo di Vittoria is comprised of two different indigenous grapes. Cerasuolo (which translates loosely as “Cherry Red”) must blend at least 30-50% Frappato with 50%-70% Nero d’Avola. In Planeta’s case, their version is blended with 40% Frappato.
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| ~ The Planeta Estate on the Slopes of Mt. Etna ~ |
The 2010 Planeta Cerasuolo di Vittoria is a bright violet in the glass. The aromas are delicate and pretty with strawberry, cherry, cinammon, and powdery pepper. On the palate, the core of medium bodied cherry fruit is accented with sandy shale, powdery minerals and gentle vanilla accents. The wine picks up a trace of anise on the finish.
The soil of the Cerasuolo di Vittoria zone is comprised mainly of sand, maritime deposits and a deep layer of limestone. These traces are evident in the finished wines. The powdery tactile sensation is notable.
Planeta vinifies and ages the wine in stainless steel tanks and holds the wine in bottle briefly before release. Tasters must resist the temptation to compare a wine like this to it’s more robust, full bodied DOCG counterparts. While not a blockbuster, this wine embodies the true spirit of the DOCG – that is, a guarantee of origin. It’s unique and it clearly tells the story from where it hails. 87 points, about $14.
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| ~ Vines on the Planeta Estate: Note the sand and shale in the soil ~ |
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| ~ Planeta’s Cerasuolo – 60% Nero d’Avola , 40% Frappato ~ |
Cin Cin!
John, I love their wines, especially their Syrah!
Dr Who?????????
All these beautiful places and people! Love it!