Planeta Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG

Description

Planeta Cerasuolo di Vittoria is a red wine made in Sicily. The Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG is the first and only DOCG in Sicily. The denomination was first created as a DOC in 1973 and upgraded to DOCG status in 2005. The name Cerasuolo derives from the Italian word for cherry, ‘Cerasa’, in Sicilian dialect.

Planeta Wines, A Sicilian Icon

Since its inception in 1985, the Planeta winery has, in a relatively short space of time, established itself as one of the most dynamic and quality-oriented wineries in the whole of Italy. The fact that the estate is based in the south west corner of Sicily, an island which for so long had been a quality winemaking backwater, makes the achievement all the more remarkable.

A Family Affair

Run by cousins Francesca, Alessio and Santi Planeta, the estate won the coveted Cantina dell’Anno (Italian winery of the year award) in 1999 and has gone from strength to strength in the intervening years. The Estate’s international reputation was founded on the quality of Planeta Chardonnay which remains a benchmark for Italian and Sicilian white wines. They also make some excellent extra virgin olive oil, also available to buy at Fareham Wine Cellar.

Cerasuolo di Vittori: Nero d’Avola and Frappato

Cerasuolo di Vittoria is produced primarily from two grape varieties: Nero d’Avola and Frappato. Nero d’Avola, which is known locally as “Calabrese” is one of the principal Sicilian grape varieties and is known for its full-bodied, rich character, while Frappato is a lighter and more aromatic variety. The blend of these grapes results in a unique wine with a balance of structure, fruitiness, and elegance.

Planeta Cerasuolo di Vittoria Vineyards

The grapes for the Planeta Cerasuolo di Vittoria come from vineyards located in the countryside around Dorilli, between the sea and the Iblean mountains. Planeta have 37 hectares of vineyards near Dorilli and Mogli, wholly cultivated with Nero d’Avola and Frappato, planted on areas of fine, light red sand, which leave their unmistakable mark on the aromatic profile of Cerasuolo.

Winemaking

• Grapes are harvested by hand and machine, then transported to the winery in small trolleys.
• At the cantina, grapes are pressed and destemmed, then sent to stainless steel vats of 114 and 170 hl.
• Grapes are stirred three times a day with short pumping (10–25 minutes), depending on the fermentation phase, with care for skins and fruit.
• After alcoholic fermentation, skins remain in contact with the wine for 13–15 days before being racked off.
• Malolactic fermentation occurs in the same stainless steel vats.
• After malolactic fermentation concludes (between December and January) and following the next racking, maturation begins in stainless steel vats.

Planeta Cerasuolo di Vittoria is a blend of 60% Nero D’Avola blend and 40% Frappato.

Vegetarian and vegan friendly wine.