The history of Planeta tells of courage and hard work, innovation and tradition. The winery and the family share the same values, always looking to the future yet keeping their feet on the ground.
From the 90’s they were courageous and innovative, thanks to a young generation and in particular to Alessio Planeta who, under the experienced eye of his father Diego Planeta launched a completely new project, placing wine at the centre of the families agricultural activities.
After founding the first winery at Ulmo in 1994 the company continued to look for suitable areas where they could produce the wines which are most representative of Sicily.
A lot of investments were developed at Menfi, the company headquarters, where the number of vineyards and cellars is always growing.
In their search for the most suitable terroir the family found the Vittoria, Noto and Etna areas.
The initial investment in this last area started with buying 12 hectares of land in 2008 in Sciaranuova which lies on the Northen slopes of the volcano. Now increased to 40 hectares and mainly planted with Carricante and Nerello Mascalese.
There’s also Capo Milazzo in the areas chosen by the Planeta family with a focus on the DOC Mamertino and the indigenous Nocera vine.
Returning to the Etna terroir, the family immediately sensed the potential of the area and apart from the vines that had always been grown there experimented with international varieties; Riesling and Pinot Nero.
Undoubtedly the main strength comes from two vines which have incredible charm and great aging potential; the Carricante variety that has white grapes and the Nerello Masalese with red.
Eruzione 1614 Carricante, 90% Carricante ‘blended’ with 10% Riesling. Produced from the vineyard in Sciaranuova on the North face of Etna.
The high altitude and black volcanic soil that is decidedly sandy and loose gives freshness and flavour to the wine which was first produced in 2009. The Carricante is grown at 850 metres a.s.l. and the Riesling at 815 metres, the pH levels and total acidity is the envy of most Italian and International producers. With a pH of 3.12 and total acidity of 7.10 g/l the wine continues to grow and will give pleasure over time during its refinement in the bottle.
Also great work with the Eruzione 1614 Nerello Mascalese, a pure Nerello Mascalese produced in the Castiglione di Sicilia area, still on the North slopes of Ertna.
Three different altitudes make up the blend of vineyards situated at 850 metres a.s.l. on the Sciaranuova plot, 605 metres on the Feudo di Mezzo plot and 510 metres at Pietramarina.
Low yields of 60 to 70 hundred weight per hectare and refinement in oak barrels of mixed dimensions, varying between 25 and 36hl produces an elegant wine, decidedly dynamic and tasty in every sip.
The pH is slightly higher but still in line with the most long-lived red wines in the world with a level of 3.46 in the 2018 vintage.
The volcanic character emerges in all its essence, very delicate touches of red fruits blend with mixed flowers and gunshot powder. Earth, musk and tea leaves imported to the Etna territory have been perfectly exalted in the expressions produced by the Planeta family.
The Planeta family have always been a shining light in Sicilian enology and continue to lead with character and the avantguard personality of the modern wines which are designed to be drunk with pleasure and which will definitely still be exciting years from now.
