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Planeta Chardonnay is widely regarded as one of Sicily’s finest white wines and remains one of the benchmark Chardonnays of Italy. First released in 1994, this iconic wine helped transform the reputation of Sicilian wine, proving that the island could produce world-class Chardonnay to rival many of the finest examples from around the world. Now bottled as a Menfi DOC, Planeta Chardonnay continues to combine remarkable richness, elegance and freshness, making it one of Italy’s most celebrated white wines.
Planeta Chardonnay Menfi DOC is produced exclusively from 100% Chardonnay grapes grown in the Ulmo and Maroccoli vineyards near Sambuca di Sicilia in the province of Agrigento. These carefully selected sites combine limestone-rich soils, abundant pebbles and excellent drainage, creating ideal conditions for producing fruit with both concentration and freshness.
Founded in 1985, Planeta has become one of Italy’s most innovative and highly respected family-owned wineries. Managed by cousins Francesca, Alessio and Santi Planeta, the estate has played a pivotal role in the renaissance of Sicilian wine, showcasing the island’s diverse terroirs through a range of outstanding wines produced across several historic wine-growing regions.
The winery’s commitment to quality was recognised when it was awarded the prestigious Cantina dell’Anno (Italian Winery of the Year) in 1999. Today, Planeta enjoys an international reputation for producing exceptional wines, with its Chardonnay remaining one of the estate’s signature bottlings and a reference point for premium Sicilian Chardonnay. Don’t forget to check out Planeta’s superb extra virgin olive oil.
Rich, concentrated and beautifully balanced, Planeta Chardonnay offers enticing aromas of ripe peach, pineapple, melon and citrus layered with vanilla, toasted hazelnut, buttered brioche and subtle smoky oak. The palate is full-bodied and creamy yet lifted by vibrant Sicilian acidity, leading to a long, refined finish with mineral freshness and perfectly integrated oak.
A superb white wine for roast chicken, lobster, crab, rich seafood dishes, creamy pasta and mature hard cheeses.
The Menfi DOC was established in 1995 and is one of Sicily’s smaller appellations, covering around 500 acres of vineyards on the island’s south-west coast. Located inland from Sciacca and close to the historic Marsala wine region, the area’s warm Mediterranean climate, cooling sea breezes and mineral-rich soils create ideal conditions for producing elegant, characterful wines. The designation reflects Planeta’s commitment to showcasing the distinctive identity of this exceptional corner of Sicily through wines of outstanding quality and authenticity.
Yes. Planeta Chardonnay is fermented and matured for around 11 months in French Allier oak barriques, with a proportion of new oak used each vintage. This careful oak ageing adds notes of vanilla, toasted hazelnut, brioche and gentle spice while preserving the wine’s vibrant Sicilian fruit and freshness.
Absolutely. While delicious when young, Planeta Chardonnay has excellent ageing potential. In good vintages it can develop beautifully for 8–12 years, gaining greater complexity with notes of honey, toasted nuts, brioche and baked fruit while retaining its characteristic freshness and balance.
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