Sicily

Noto

Nero d'Avola

Merlot

Controdanza, from “country dance”, is a traditional rural dance where partners move gracefully together and then in opposition to each other. Thus we imagined an association of Nero d’Avola and a small amount of Merlot, both cultivated in Noto’s white soil. An unconventional combination, balanced between harmony and contrast.

Controdanza

Italy

Sicilia

Planeta

Sito dell’Ulmo Merlot

Rosé

Passito di Noto

Eruzione 1614 Carricante

Plumbago

Etna Rosso

La Segreta Nero d'Avola

Eruzione 1614 Nerello Mascalese

Chardonnay

Maroccoli

Moscato di Noto

Santa Cecilia

Cerasuolo di Vittoria

Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico Dorilli

Brut Metodo Classico

La Segreta Il Rosso

Nocera

Burdese

Mamertino

Cometa

La Segreta Grillo

Etna Bianco

Frappato

'It is a new way of thinking about the journey through Sicily; after Menfi, Vittoria, then Noto, then Etna, then Milazzo. Not a random route, but one strongly linked to the variety of countryside, to the winds, to the character of the people and thus of their wine…’ Diego Planeta

Planeta’s story is one of courage and hard work, of innovation and tradition. 
The company and the family share their values, both with an eye to the future and with their feet firmly on the ground.
Courage and innovation since the 1990’s, due to several of that generation of the family then in their twenties led by Alessio Planeta and under the protective care of the founder Diego Planeta, who initiated a completely new project, placing wine in the centre of the family’s farming activities.

After establishing the first winery at Ulmo in 1994 the ‘Viaggio in Sicilia’ took off, in other words, the search for the best known areas of the island in order to create independent wineries and produce what would be considered the best wines in each area, working with indigenous vines while continuing to experiment with international varieties.  
These last were developed particularly at Menfi, the working centre of the company, where the number of vines and wineries always continued to increase.
The next stage of the journey took place at Vittoria in 1997, where the only Sicilian DOCG, Cerasuolo di Vittoria, then existed, initially with vineyards and followed up with the purchase of the Dorilli estate. Next Noto in 1998 with the acquisition of Buonivini and with the specific intention of achieving the excellence of Nero d’Avola within its region of origin. Then Etna with the acquisition of the first 12 hectares of land at Sciaranuova on the northern slopes of the volcano in 2008, and the gradual purchase of more land bringing the total area to 40 hectares, devoted to Nerello Mascalese and Carricante, with small trial areas of Pinot Noir and Riesling.

This wonderful journey has for the moment finished at Capo Milazzo, and the tiny winery of Baronia, where since 2011 the focus has been on the DOC Mamertino and various antique indigenous varieties, particularly Nocera.

All this began from that first venture at Ulmo, the estate acquired by the family through marriage in 1694, 17 generations ago, and since then always cultivated with vines and olives; an authentic family tradition.

Now exists their obligation; the values which have always directed the company are tradition, research, the work ethic and respect for the land; to contribute to the progress of the community where they operate; to safeguard the beauty and environmental integrity of those places.  This last element is particularly loaded with meaning due to the particular beauty of the areas where the vineyards and wineries are sited.  Ulmo, Dispensa, Dorilli, Buonivini, Sciaranuova and La Baronia are unforgettable places, emphasising the saying that good wines are made in beautiful places.
Today there are overall 395 hectares and 7 wineries in five different areas.  Each winery has its leading wine-maker, each one is wholly part of its territory on which it is  modelled.

Four of the five wineries produce exclusively grapes and wines certified as organic;
Planeta has subscribed to SOStain’s protocol of sustainability since its inception, a further guarantee of their attention to the environment and to the land.  It is sufficient to visit any one of the wineries to understand to what extent the environment, the countryside and the culture are fundamental values of the company.
 


Planeta is not solely concerned with wine.  In the flora and fauna oasis of Capparrina (Menfi), owned by the family since the 19th century, 148 hectares of olive grove have been planted since 1998.  The olives – Nocellara del Belice, Biancolilla and Cerasuola – are processed as soon as harvested at the olive press in the centre of the estate; the result is an IGP extra-virgin olive oil which has been awarded various national and international awards.

Finally Planeta has devoted increasing investment and resources, under the guidance of Francesca Planeta, to the development of property activities and particularly to high-profile hospitality.  This began with La Foresteria, the Menfi wine resort established in 2009 and inscribed in the Ecoluxury list, to be followed with Palazzo Planeta in Palermo and Le Case Sparse at Noto.
In addition three of the estates – Ulmo, Buonivini and Sciaranuova – have in their turn become centres of hospitality linked to wine tourism (tastings, events, experiences, wine sales) and fully represent the synthesis of Planeta’s activities and their vision.


Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Sauvignon

Carricante

Fiano

Grecanico

Grecanico Dorato

Grillo

Muscat Blanc

Nerello Mascalese

Riesling

Sauvignon Blanc

Syrah

Viognier

Zibibbo

Patricia Tóth was born in Hungary where she grew up in her family home in the  countryside. She received an engineering degree in 2004 at the University of Corvinus in  Budapest in Food Science specializing in wine, beer and spirits. 

Having a particular love for wines she began to work as a winemaker: in her working  experience there are various known wine cellars such as Le Vigne di Zamò Friuli, Bava in  Piemonte and Vylyan in Hungary. 

Since 2005 she has collaborated with Planeta, first part time during the harvests to full  time being since 2008, first responsible for Planetas Buonivini and Dorilli cellars, after  coordinating the startup of the new estates on Mount Etna and Capo  Milazzo. Responsible of the SOStain ( regional sustainable agriculture) program, member  of the Business Intelligence Team in the company, covering the tecnical support in PR  activities. 

In between time Patricia produces white grapes such as Furmint and Rieslings near Lake  Balaton in an own vineyard of 4 hectars (8.8 acres).


Patricia Tòth

Sito dell’Ulmo is a single-variety Merlot and from a ‘Single Vineyard’. Years of experience have helped us identify in the vineyards of Ulmo, planted in 1987 on the banks of Lake Arancio, the ideal place for the cultivation of this ancient French variety.

Syrah Blend

Our Rosé, fresh and fruity, represents all the feelings of a Sicilian summer. Its colour is that of a summer sunset. The fresh aromas of strawberry make it a marvellously friendly wine, and easy to drink. Enjoy Planeta’s Rosé in good company, as an aperitif with tapas, raw fish, fresh salads or alone with seasonal fruit.

Sweet

White

Our Passito di Noto is produced from one of the oldest vines in the world, Moscato Bianco. The passito is a very ancient wine which is now produced with the modern system of ‘appassimento’ (grape drying). Explosive aromas of exotic fruit, jasmine, candied citrus fruit are complex but easy to admire. The ideal companion for the great Sicilian tradition of sweets and ice creams.

The history of Etna is studded with the historic eruptions which have shaped it. That of 1614 is legendary, lasting ten years and the longest ever recorded, halting just on the border of the vineyards of Sciaranuova. A name strongly evocative of our Cru dell’Etna; Carricante with a small addition of Riesling. High altitude black soils confer a fresh, savoury and mineral style.

Plumbago – named after the beautiful purple wild flower that grows in the woods surrounding the farmhouse and vineyards of Ulmo – is a single-variety Nero d’Avola. It is produced from the old vineyard at Lake Arancio which gives us this soft fruity version of this great Sicilian grape variety. Rounded tannins and perfectly judged wood makes it an immediately pleasurable wine. Ideal for Mediterranean cooking based on vegetables and all types of meat.

This wine is produced at our Feudo di Mezzo winery, situated in the heart of Etna viticulture. It comes from Nerello Mascalese grapes, and from the search for a modern expression of this noble grape variety cultivated in the unique and splendid terroir of Etna.

100% Nero d’Avola for this single-variety La Segreta. Decorated by a detail from the map of
Ulmo – the oldest Planeta family property – representing a ‘hortus conclusus’, a luxuriant
area of fruit, flowers and vines enclosed by walls, a synthesis of the beautiful agricultural
countryside of Sicily.

A constellation of eruption mark the vulcano’s history, and the shape it took over time.
The eruption of 1614 is legendary for being the longest history, lasting ten years. The vines used to make this wine actually grow on this lava flow. Nerello Mascalese is cultivated on high altitude black soils and aged in 25 and 36 hl oak barrels for approximately 14 months, resulting in a wine of intense aromas of sour cherry, cherry and beeswax with an elegant structure.

The wine which has become an image of the change in Sicilian wine. It arrived from the
wish for success in competing with the world in the production of this noble and widespread grape. Following a long process beginning in 1985, full of surprises and successes, today the Planeta Chardonnay is an icon for the whole of Sicily. The vines of Ulmo and Maroccoli,
from which it is produced, are unique for their aspect and terroir. The fermentation and aging in French wood, carefully and precisely judged, delivers a wine unique for its grace and
power.

Syrah is a noble Mediterranean grape which gives of its best in bright dry places like our
Sicily. Because of this we have a great belief in the future of this variety in our island. This
interpretation of Syrah is produced in a modern style, respecting all the characteristics of the
vine, from an extraordinary vineyard – Maroccoli at about 400 metres, in an unspoilt area.
Powerful and impenetrable, this is a wine destined for long aging.

Moscato di Noto is a wine to begin with, as an aperitif, which is notably aromatic. From
single-variety Moscato Bianco grapes, it is harvested slightly early and vinified in such a way
as to leave no sugary residues. Cultivated among the white soil of the Buonivini estate,
whose limey soils are shared with perfumed almond groves, and representing the Sicilian
version of the aromatic wine so widespread today.

Santa Cecilia is our highlight from the most important Sicilian grape variety, Nero d’Avola. Our long research into finding the best place to produce a great wine from this grape brought us to Noto, where the DOC Noto insists that the variety originates, at the southern extremity of Sicily. With its white soils and its ancient vines this is the epicentre of cultivation for Nero d’Avola. Santa Cecilia is an expression of elegance, power, balance and eminence of the unique aromas of Sicily, and today is the reference point for red wines produced from indigenous Sicilian grapes. Its name derives from that of our family: Planeta di Santa Cecilia.

Nero d'Avola Blend

From the countryside of Dorilli, between the sea and the Iblean mountains, known as the centre of excellence for Sicilian food, comes our Cerasuolo di Vittoria. The name of the only DOCG in Sicily comes from ‘Cerasa’, cherry in Sicilian dialect. It is produced from the indigenous varieties Nero d’Avola and Frappato. A unique wine, recognisable and unforgettable for its youthful flavours and aromas of cherry, strawberry and pomegranate, due to the particular soil and climate in which the grapes are cultivated. A wine which like few others combines tradition and delicious wine.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico Dorilli represents for us the quintessence of this noble wine. It is produced from careful selection of the vines surrounding the unique and beautiful Dorilli estate, named for the nearby river Dirillo, landing place of brave Aeneas. A refined and elegant expression of the union of the noble Nero d’Avola with Frappato di Vittoria, the Iblean vine par excellence, lightly distinguished by maturation in wood. A limited production for those who love the small Italian denominations, the history and affirmation of our land.

Sparkling

The Metodo Classico is produced from indigenous grapes cultivated in a climatically appropriate environment. Carricante harvested early and processed with the greatest care. All the activities are undertaken manually for a brut which explores the black land of Etna.

La Segreta takes its name from the woods which surround our Ulmo vineyard. This young
fresh wine principally produced from Nero d’Avola grapes, flagship of Sicilian wine, gains its
personality and style with the addition of some international grapes. All the vines are knowledgeably
cultivated in vineyards owned by Planeta. La Segreta is a versatile companion for
daily drinking, suitable for many different occasions. It is a perfect approach to Sicilian wine
with its excellent relationship between price and quality, guaranteed by Planeta’s careful
input from vine to wine.

Red Blend

This noble vine is cultivated on just a few hectares in the province of Messina, facing the sea and of historic importance.
La Baronia on Capo Milazzo is a spectacular vineyard surrounded by the sea, by ancient olive trees and with views to the Aeolian islands.
A marine red wine, with aromas of Mediterranean macchia, myrtle and garrigue.

Cabernet Sauvignon Blend

In local dialect Burdese means from Bordeaux and recalls the classic grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. This is a red wine of great density, structure and balance, produced in limited quantities from selected vineyards. Burdese is a great wine for aging which offers a complexity of aromas and flavours, fruit of the Sicilian sun.

A denomination rooted in antiquity when the Mamertini produced this wine, described by Pliny and beloved by Julius Caesar, at Milazzo.
Nero d’Avola and Nocera, 12 months of maturation in 35 hl barrels. The small winery stands a short distance from the sea and surrounded by the spectacular vines we have planted at Capo Milazzo.
The Fondazione Barone Lucifero, proprietor of the land, uses part of the income for social, cultural and recreational activities for children in the Milazzo area.

A great white wine from southern Italian grapes, able to compare with the world’s great white
wines; this was the initial project. Thus in the 1990’s began the experiments with Fiano,
an ancient noble variety from Campania. And so Cometa was born, expressing the best
in an original and unique way, of the characteristics of this extraordinary vine. Intense and
fruity aromas, its great structure and minerals today make it one of southern Italy’s points of
reference for white wine.

100% Grillo for this single-variety La Segreta. As decoration a detail of the Ulmo map – the
oldest Planeta property – representing a ‘hortus conclusus’, a luxuriant area of fruit, flowers
and vines within the walls, a synthesis of the beautiful agricultural countryside of Sicily.

This wine is produced in our Feudo di Mezzo winery, lying in the centre of Etna’s wine
growing area, from Carricante grapes partially fermented in barriques. This is the result of
searching for an expression of this noble grape cultivated in the unique and splendid terroir of
Etna.

A rare and exclusive grape variety cultivated on only a few hectares, it is best expressed in the red sands of Vittoria, not far from the sea. An aromatic and pleasant red wine as few others, a perfect synthesis between tradition and innovation.

Sicily

Planeta

Sicilia

2017

Controdanza

Noto

Release Price

Drink Window

ABV

pH

TA

RS

Nose

Palate

Growing Conditions

Harvest

Bottling

Winemaking

Aging

Food Pairing

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