It was an absolute privilege to attend an exclusive Planeta Winery wine tasting event in New York City. The knowledgeable and passionate winemaker, Patricia Tóth, guided us on a masterclass. We enjoyed the class with an iconic city background right on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. Moreover, it was a special ocassion to know that Patricia celebrated her remarkable two-decade tenure with this esteemed Sicilian winery. Tóth offered invaluable insights into the diverse soils and winemaking philosophy that define Planeta wines. Her dedication to showcasing the very best of Sicilian winemaking truly resonated throughout the entire experience.
Planeta Winery is widely recognized for its unwavering commitment to sustainable viticulture. The winery has a pioneering spirit in highlighting both indigenous and international grape varietals across Sicily’s various regions. During the tasting, Patricia led us masterfully through a curated collection of their exceptional wines. Each wine told a unique story of its origin. It also revealed its craftsmanship. This was not just a tasting. It was a journey through the heart of Sicilian viticulture.
Sicily with it’s volcanic activity offers a diversity of soils. Hence, this tasting helped in understanding the nuances of specific Sicilian grape varietals. Patricia’s skill offered great insights about how specific climatic conditions and soil types contribute. These factors shape the final character of these award-winning wines from Sicily.
Read more: What is a volcanic wine?
Patricia Tóth, Winemaker from Planeta Winery
Here’s a detailed recap of the Planeta wine collection we explored, full with key characteristics and tasting notes:
This Sicilian sparkling wine instantly captivated with its elegant effervescence. Crafted from 100% Carricante grapes, these are harvested by hand in September. This Metodo Classico Sicily expression undergoes a meticulous process. It ages on its lees for an average of 20 months. On the palate, we discovered delightful notes of yellow fruit. We also enjoyed hints of orange zest. It offers a lovely balance. Then, its refreshing acidity gracefully subsides. A truly delightful start to our Planeta Winery sparkling wine experience.
This wine hails from the volcanic slopes. It is a pure expression of 100% Carricante grapes. These grapes come from high elevation vineyards on Mount Etna. The grapes are picked between late September and early October. First, grapes are partially fermented in stainless steel. Second, a smaller part is fermented in oak barrels. Therefore, this process results in a wine with structure and complexity. This Etna Bianco has a bouquet of yellow flowers on the nose. Quince notes are also noticeable. There is a distinctive minerality. Moreover, there is a rounded and inviting finish. This is a must-try for fans of volcanic wine Sicily.
This wine is another stunning example of Mount Etna Carricante. It is a premium Sicilian white wine that commemorates a historical eruption. It embodies the intense minerality of its volcanic terroir. This wine is 100% Carricante and comes from a Planeta single vineyard. The crafting is meticulous. It has extended contact on fine lees to enhance its depth. The result is a wine celebrated for its high minerality and profound connection to the Sicilian volcanic soil. A benchmark for Carricante premium wine.
This is a vibrant and refreshing Sicilian rosé wine. It features a blend of Syrah, Nero d’Avola, and a touch of Sauvignon Blanc. The grapes undergo a short maceration period, contributing to its beautiful color and aromatic profile. Under the new DOC law it is allowed to add Sauvignon Blanc grape to the blend. Hence, is a more robust yet still light and refreshing blend. It’s an ideal Planeta summer wine, perfect for warm evenings and light fare. The 2024 vintage is lively and crisp dry rosé Sicily experience from the Planeta Winery rosé collection. This Sicilian rosé wine have me captivated by its elegant aromatics and crisp finish. Is definitely making is a lasting impression on my appreciation for volcanic rosé.
Moving to the reds, the Etna red wine DOC is made from 100% Nerello Mascalese, a noble indigenous grape. Patricia Tóth mentioned that the grapes are hand-picked in October and aged in both wooden and stainless steel tanks. This volcanic red wine presented as remarkably vibrant and herbal, with a refreshing touch of minerality. The Planeta Winery Etna wines truly capture the essence of this unique winemaking region. They offer a distinct Sicilian red wine tasting experience. The wine has hints of black currant. Moreover, it also carries herbal notes, refreshing and still mineral.
From the same renowned Eruzione 1614 line, this Mount Etna Nerello Mascalese showcases the power of premium Sicilian red wine. It also highlights its elegance. This wine undergoes extensive skin contact during fermentation. It also spends a year aging in oak barrels. As a result, it boasts a magnificent structure and a long finish. It’s a profound expression of volcanic soil wine, showcasing the aging potential of Nerello Mascalese.
A delightful discovery for those seeking a lighter Sicilian red wine. This 100% Frappato from the Vittoria DOC is known as a “cousin of Sangiovese” Patricia Tóth explained. It is characterized by abundant strawberry notes. Its lighter body makes it an excellent candidate for red wine served chilled, perfect for casual enjoyment. The Planeta Frappato is an easy-drinking and charming addition to any Vittoria DOC wines collection. I absolutely love to drink this during the summer!
This classic DOCG Sicilian wine is a harmonious blend of 60% Nero d’Avola and 40% Frappato. Patricia emphasized how the Nero d’Avola in this Sicilian red blend truly expresses the volcanic soil of the region. With careful fermentation and skin contact, this Cerasuolo di Vittoria offers a balanced structure that beautifully reflects its unique terroir.
Representing the pinnacle of Cerasuolo di Vittoria, the Planeta Dorilli is a powerful yet elegant wine. This premium Cerasuolo di Vittoria has the same 60% Nero d’Avola and 40% Frappato blend. It exhibits significantly more body and structure. It also maintains a refreshing fruitiness balanced by distinct minerality. Moreover, the Planeta Dorilli vineyard contributes to this structured Sicilian red wine. It makes the wine a truly captivating Nero d’Avola Frappato blend DOCG.
Read more: What is a volcanic wine?
Patricia Tóth’s two decades at Planeta Winery are obvious in the consistent quality and innovative spirit of these wines. Her deep knowledge of Sicilian grape varietals is remarkable. She understands the island’s diverse micro climates, which ensures that each bottle tells a compelling story of its origin. A task that is not easy to communicate particularly for those of us not familiar with living on a volcano. It can sound magical but the real magic is an the art of wine making under these conditions. This Planeta Winery tasting experience reaffirmed why they are consistently ranked among the best wineries in Sicily.
For anyone passionate about authentic and expressive wines, exploring the Planeta portfolio is a highly recommended pursuit. You’ll find their wines widely available, making it easy to bring a taste of authentic Sicily to your table.
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