Excitement was in the air and savory aromas were wafting from La Scuola di Eataly in Chicago as I arrived for a wine tasting, cooking demonstration and luncheon hosted by the dynamic women you should know of Sicily’s Planeta winery. Patricia Toth, Winemaker, Penny Murray, Export Director, and Francesca Planeta, Owner, were in the city to share their wines, information about the vineyards, production methods, philosophy of environmental sustainability, and love of the family owned winery which has been in the Planeta family for seventeen generations. As the day unfolded, I couldn’t help but think that I need to add a visit to the Planeta estates on my wine country getaway list.
Are you familiar with Planeta? For many years, the wines were produced through cooperatives, but in 1995, the family began producing their own wine at their estate wineries. The Ulmo Winery in Sambuca di Sicilia produces Merlot, Syrah, and Chardonnay which became popular worldwide and put Planeta on the international wine map so to speak. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Fiano, Syrah, and more are grown and produced at the Dispensa Winery in Menfi . If you decide to travel to Sicily, you may want to stay in their beautiful boutique hotel located on their Menfi estate. In 1997, the family began searching for “the best local varieties” and their properties, Dorilli Winery in Vittoria Buonivini Winery in Noto, began producing wines of Frappato, Nero d’Avola, and Moscato Bianco. Located close to Mt. Etna, Feudo di Mezzo Winery is Planeta’s fifth and produces wine from Carricanti. Finally, La Baronia Winery in Capo Milazzo is the smallest of the estates and consists of olive groves and vineyards growing Nero d’Avola and Nocera. Experimentally grown there are the ancient varieties of Vitraruolo, Lucignola and Catanese Nera which will one day become wines in your glass! I encourage you to visit the Planeta website for more detailed information about each location and wines grown there.
The tasting menu created by the talented chefs at Eataly focused on authentic favorites from Planeta family recipes and each dish was carefully paired with native wines. Delizioso!
Wines and Cuisine of Planeta
Camberetti Marinati All’Arancia (Orange Marinated Shrimp) paired with…
Moscato di Noto DOC 2013 – I was surprised that this aromatic (think white flowers) wine was not too sweet. This dry Moscato was aged in stainless steel tanks to retain fruit tastes and high acidity. Francesca Planeta considers it a “playful Moscato” which pairs well with raw seafood, a popular dish in Menfi. The beautiful finish of the wine truly complemented the zest of the orange shrimp. Cost is $22.
Arancini (Rice Balls Stuffed with Cheese) paired with…
Frappato DOC Vittoria 2013 – Francesca feels that “Vittoria is one of the most exciting small areas” of Sicily although growing wine grapes is challenging. Consisting of 100% Frappato, a grape local to Vittoria, aromas of cherries and strawberries were enticing. Dry with subtle fruit tastes combined with floral notes and smoke, this balanced Frappato had a lasting finish. Not yet in the market, I don’t have a cost so I will just write that it’s “priceless”!
Pasta con Pomodorini, Basilico and Mandorle (Busiati with Tomatoes, Basil, and Almonds) paired with…
Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG 2011 – One of their most successful wines in the United States (it’s available at Eataly and other wine shops), Francesca remarked that this is “one of the favorite babies of our production”. Aged and fermented in stainless steel, this blend of 60% Nero d’Avola and 40% Frappato with its fruit forward aromas and tastes of cherries and fresh strawberries were wonderful paired with the pasta yet it could be successfully paired with fish, spicy food, and other tomato dishes. The subtle, round tannins and satisfying finish led me to consider this the Pinot Noir of Sicily. You may want to chill this wine a bit before opening. Cost is $24.
Tonno al Ragu (Tuna in Tomato Sauce) paired with…
Dorilli Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico DOCG 2011 – Only 1000 cases were produced of this wine which is of 70% Nero d’Avola and 30% Frappato. The Classico was aged for ten months in oak barrels. Bursting from the glass were aromas of spice, cherries, and raspberries and I loved the palate profile of integrated tannins and acidity, floral notes, more spice and red fruit. Cost is $33.
Filetto al Vino Rosso (Filetto in Red Wine) paired with…
Santa Cecilia DOC Noto 2009 – Santa Cecilia is the name of the family winery constructed under the soil to preserve the beauty of the landscape. 100% Nero d’Avola grapes were aged for fourteen months in three to four year old oak barrels then at least eighteen months in the bottle. After a few tastes, this wine quickly became one which I need to locate! Aromas of smoke, oak, spice, and dark red fruit led to tastes of the same with a tinge of carob and incense. Its fresh, thick tannins and natural acidity in this balanced, full bodied wine were just fantastic. Cost of the wine is $42.
Biscotti di Pistacchi (Pistachio Biscotti) paired with…
Passito di Noto DOC 2010 – Sicily is famous for its sweet wines and now I know why! Aromas and tastes of raisin and honey with a refreshing acidity and a long lasting finish were a delicious pairing with the biscotti and an end to my Planeta wine tasting journey. Francesca shared that the Passito could also be paired with sponge cake, marzipan, biscotti with almonds and of course, “ladies like this if they’re not into wine”. Cost is $41. for a 500 ml. bottle.
The Italian island of Sicily has been the home to wine grapes since the 17th century BC when Dionysus, the god of wine, planted them… The Greeks arrived in the 8th century BC, brought other varietals, and introduced winemaking techniques such as pruning and low vine training. And thanks to Mount Etna’s volcanic ash enriching the soil and a Mediterranean climate of warm, sunny days and just enough rain, Sicilian winegrowing prospered with plenty of ups and downs through the centuries. Now, the winemaking renaissance is flourishing…especially at Planeta.
During the course of the luncheon, stunning photographs of the Planeta wineries and vineyards were shown and beckoned me to visit. I just hope there is a beautiful room at their estate hotel in Menfi for me!
Cheers! ~ Cindy
