Biography
The Planeta family has been working with passion and commitment in various agricultural activities in the province of Agrigento for several generations and have been forerunners in many developments in Sicilian agriculture. Since 1995, the year of the first vintage in the Ulmo cellars, Planeta has expanded into other areas of the island, seeking out specific areas with different soils and micro-climates that would enable the house to produce wines with special character and personality. In order to realize this ambitious goal, the firm has made major efforts on behalf of Sicily’s native grapes, has sought out the finest international varieties which might adapt themselves to the specific conditions of the island, and has attempted to bring back to active life some of the oldest and most fascinating viticultural areas of Sicily. The overall Planeta project currently involves four different areas: Sambuca di Sicilia and Menfi in the province of Agrigento, Noto in the province of Siracusa, and Vittoria near Ragusa, gathering together in this way zones with greatly different oenological traditions but united by the fact that each produces high quality wines of true individual character. The newest estate of Planeta, instead, is located at north-northeastern slopes of Mount Etna in the Santo Spirito district, close to 3000 feet above sea level.
The gamut of house crus ranges from the Sicilian tradition, exemplified by Santa Cecilia, a Nero d’Avola from Noto, to international-style wines such as Burdese, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, a Chardonnay and a Merlot, all particularly popular both with wine guides and consumers.
The latter two have won a popularity which can be defined, without exaggeration, as planetary: the Chardonnay can be considered, beyond the shadow of a doubt, a cult wine not only in Italy but also in foreign markets, a success which can be explained by the exceptional pleasure it gives, its golden yellow color with green highlights, and a nose and palate which join freshness and opulence to a mineral character.
The Merlot, instead, is a red wine whose aromas are characterized by notes of red currants, ripe plums, and candied violets together with balsamic sensations of lemon and sage. Ample and velvety, it is, at the same time, powerful and supple, sweetned by its significant alcohol level and freshened by a light touch of acidity.
The three younger Planeta members who direct operations at the house under the supervision of the patriarch Diego: Alessio, Francesca, and Santi.