Planeta, Eruzione 1614, Nerello Mascalese, Sicilia DOC, Italy, 2018

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Overview of the Wine
“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 encompasses six distinct wine estates across Sicily, each one inspired and constructed in harmony with its surroundings and dedicated to its terroir.

For five centuries and seventeen generations, the Planeta family has been involved in the Sicilian agricultural sector. Their work on the island has contributed to the revitalization of Sicilian winemaking, now one of the most dynamic and sought-after viticultural regions in the world. Planeta’s journey begins at Sambuca di Sicilia, on the estate owned by the family since the 1600s. Here on Italy's most enchanting island, three enthusiastic young Sicilians, Alessio, Francesca and Santi Planeta, under the guidance of Diego 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.

Planeta’s six boutique wineries include: Ulmo at Sambuca di Sicilia, Dispensa at Menfi, Dorilli at Vittoria, Buonivini at Noto, Sciara Nuova on Etna at Castiglione di Sicilia, and the newest addition, La Baronia at Capo Milazzo. Each vineyard site is carefully cultivated with grapes that best compliment the local terroir.

The quantity and dimension of the stones varies a great deal on the different terraces as does the depth of each type of soil. In every case fertility and complexity are the common denominator in the different soils of our vineyards in the Etna area. The land has perfect aspect and position, black soils with lava sands and due to this, extraordinarily rich minerals; surrounded by woods and more recent lava flows. The vines used to make this wine actually grow on the lava flow.

Harvesting took place from October 15th through the 27th. The grapes were hand-picked into crates and immediately refrigerated at 10°C, then selected by hand. After destalking they ferment at 25°C in stainless steel vats, remaining on the skins for 21 days, with short stirrings; they are pressed softly with the vertical press. This is followed by malolactic fermentation in stainless steel and ageing in oak barrels for 12 months.

Grape / Blend
100% Nerello Mascalese

Origin
Sicily, Italy

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Luminous and trasparent ruby-red. The sweetness and generosity of wild fruits and currants merges with aromas of incense and beeswax and a light almost salty touch invites one to return to one’s glass. This 100% Nerello Mascalese from lava sands presents its tasting strength and extraordinary aromas of incense and herbs, hibiscus and wild fennel. A luminous and lyrical wine which recounts without obstacles the character and refinement of great red mountain wines but at latitudes not far from Africa. The tannins of compact texture are extracted with elegance.