CHARDONNAY SICILIA MENFI DOC

Planeta

APPELLATION

Sicilia (Menfi D.O.C.)

GRAPE VARIETIES

100% Chardonnay

WINEMAKERS

Patricia Toth

TECHNICAL DATA

Acidity
3.28 g/L
Alcohol
13.5%

2022

92POINTS

JamesSuckling.com
SEPTEMBER 2023
2016

90POINTS

Vinous
SEPTEMBER 2018
BACKGROUND

Planeta’s journey began at Sambuca di Sicilia, on the estate owned by the family since the 1600s. Here, 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. Planeta today encompasses six distinct wine estates in five regions across Sicily; 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.

TERROIR & VINTAGE NOTES

Planeta Chardonnay has become an image of the change in Sicilian wine. Starting with the desire to compete on the world stage with this noble grape. Following a long process beginning in 1985, full of surprises and successes, today Planeta Chardonnay is an icon for the whole of Sicily.
From the sea to the hills, up to an altitude of 400 metres, the Menfi territory holds the largest extent of our vineyards. We cultivate more than 250 hectares, and we make careful selections of our vines, both indigenous and international varieties, to the specifics of each terroir.
The vines planted at Ulmo and Maroccoli, from which this Chardonnay is produced, are unique for their aspect and terroir. Ulmo soil characteristics. The valley was originally crossed by a river which today has become Lake Arancio. This contributed to the formation of deep soils, with an abundant texture of pebbles. The higher soils are more limey and chalky. The slope ensures perfect drainage. Maroccoli soil is moderately chalky with abundant loamy sections. An extraordinary micro-climate exists with breezes coming from the sea which is only a few kilometers away.
Sicily and Planeta recorded a great quality 2022 harvest. A dry summer determined extremely healthy grapes, with a very low fungal load. This was a harvest that - despite extreme weather conditions - magically balanced out: the very heavy late autumn rains made up for the winter drought. The high average temperatures of June and July were offset by an ideal August through October.

WINEMAKING

The grapes are de-stemmed and crushed; the juice is clarified through cold settling overnight and then inoculated with selected yeast. The fermentation and ageing in 225-liter French oak barrels –carefully and precisely judged– delivers a wine unique for its grace and power.

TASTING NOTES

A single-variety Chardonnay which clearly demonstrates the characteristics which have made it so well known. From the rich light gold color, deep but transparent, the pleasing contrast of creaminess and crunchiness which is evident on tasting can be anticipated. A soft white wine supported by a refreshing note of acidity which accompanies every sip. A slight mineral touch harmoniously combines the flavor of ripe yellow peaches, acacia honey and marzipan with peaty, cereal and toasted aromas which appear at the powerful and balanced finish.
Pair this wine with just-seared foie gras or with roast veal and mushroom sauce.

SELECT A PRODUCT

Planeta Portfolio

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CHARDONNAY SICILIA MENFI DOC
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COMETA FIANO, SICILIA MENFI DOC
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MAROCCOLI SINGLE VINEYARD SYRAH, SICILIA MENFI DOC
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SITO DELL’ULMO SINGLE VINEYARD MERLOT, SICILIA MENFI DOC
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BURDESE, SICILIA MENFI DOC
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LA SEGRETA NERO D’AVOLA SICILIA DOC
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LA SEGRETA GRILLO, SICILIA DOC
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LA SEGRETA BIANCO, SICILIA DOC
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LA SEGRETA ROSSO, SICILIA DOC
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ROSÉ, SICILIA DOC
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DORILLI CERASUOLO DI VITTORIA CLASSICO DOCG
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CERASUOLO DI VITTORIA DOCG
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FRAPPATO, VITTORIA DOC
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SANTA CECILIA NERO D’AVOLA, NOTO DOC
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CONTRODANZA NERO D’AVOLA DI NOTO DOC
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MOSCATO ALLEMANDA NOTO DOC
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PASSITO DI NOTO DOC
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ERUZIONE 1614 CARRICANTE, SICILIA DOC
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ERUZIONE 1614 NERELLO MASCALESE, SICILIA DOC
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ETNA BIANCO DOC
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ETNA ROSSO DOC
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CARRICANTE BRUT METODO CLASSICO, SICILIA DOC
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MAMERTINO DOC
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NOCERA DOC
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