2014 Planeta Cerasuolo Di Vittoria Sicily

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 trio subsequently traveled to Vittoria in southeastern Sicily in search of one of the most unmistakable wines, Cerasuolo di Vittoria D.O.C.G, currently the only D.O.C.G in Sicily. Here, they established the Planeta farmhouse at Dorilli, near land which belonged to the Planetas’ paternal grandmother. This delightful wine is named for its remarkable color as cerasuolo means "cherry red" in Italian. Made from two local grapes, the Frappato imparts ripe berry flavors and freshness, while the Nero d'Avola lends a supple tannic structure, richness and intensity.

Production Area

Vittoria, Sicily, Italy

Grape Varieties

60% Nero d’Avola, 40% Frappato (a local grape variety)

Vinification

The grapes are de-stemmed and crushed; extraction on skins conducted, with 8 days of maceration. After racking, malolactic fermentation takes place in steel tanks.

Color

Intense ruby red with pink hues

Bouquet

Typical of wines produced in the Vittoria area. Fruity, reminiscent of red berries, strawberries, cherries, figs, ginger and fruit drops. Very distinctive, this is the wine that best highlights the characteristics of the terroir

Taste

Supple, vibrant and wonderfully fresh, with a long finish

Alcohol

13.4%

Serving Suggestions

A versatile wine, excellent with first and second courses. Ideal with soups, broiled shellfish, lamb and medium-aged cheeses. Served cool in the summer, it makes a refreshing aperitif.