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.

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 orientated 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. 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 its Chardonnay which remains a benchmark for Italian and Sicilian white wines. They also make some excellent extra virgin olive oil.

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.

The grapes for the 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.

The grapes are harvested by hand and machine and transported to the winery in small trolleys. Once at the cantina, they are pressed and destemmed, then sent to stainless steel vats of 114 and 170 hl. The grapes are stirred three times a day with very short pumping – between 10 and 25 minutes – according to the phase of fermentation, giving due care to skins and fruit. Once alcoholic fermentation has taken place the skins will have remained in contact with the wine for 13/15 days, and are then racked off. The malolactic fermentation occurs in the same vats, and once concluded, between December and January, and after the next racking of the malolactic the maturing begins, always 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.