THE WINE

Nerello Mascalese 'Eruzione 1614' by Planeta bears a strongly evocative name for the Etna Cru based on Nerello Mascalese: the legendary eruption of 1614, which lasted 10 years, the longest of all time, stopped at the border of the vineyards of Sciaranuova. Black earth in altitude gives an elegant, fine and balanced style. Great.

THE COMPANY

Established in 1995, Planeta is a Sicilian wine producer built on a long agricultural tradition handed down since 1500 through 17 generations in the area between Sambuca di Sicilia and Menfi.

Today Planeta represents not just one, but six ways of developing the territory, in six different settings. There are, in fact, six Planeta wine producing estates, each one with a specific research and development project. Ulmo, at Sambuca di Sicilia, Dispensa, at Menfi; Dorilli, at Victoria; Buonivini at Noto, Feudo di Mezzo at Etna in Castiglione di Sicilia, and finally, La Baronia, at Capo Milazzo. These are the Planeta locations, comprising a total surface area of 363 hectares of vineyards.

Through its family properties, Planeta can conduct a virtual journey around Sicily and its greatest wines. The stages are up-to-date and innovative yet consistent with a historical and ritualistic interpretation that elsewhere has almost been forgotten. Planeta's project calls for patient and meticulous research, never hurried, and looks just as much to the past as to the future. On the one hand, a deep bond with the oldest wine-making Sicilian tradition, with its heritage of native varieties: Grecanico, Carricante, Moscato di Noto, Frappato, Nerello Mascalese and Nero d'Avola.

On the other, the arena in which the greatest producers of the five continents are appraised for Chardonnay, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet: magnificent classics of international enology interpreted by a territory which puts its unmistakable mark on them.

It is paramount to remember the most inspired and visionary varietal experimentation: it has resulted in obtaining for the first time in Sicily a Fiano with truly revolutionary features. And then,that unique green gold, the Planetas' other passion: extra virgin olive oil produced in the natural oasis of Capparrina, near the beaches of Menfi. The company's activity has one absolutely essential point of reference: environmental sustainability, achieved through landscape conservation, renewable energy, recycled materials and sustainable agriculture, with the utmost respect for the territory, cultural heritage and the communities within which the company operates.

Alessio, Francesca and Santi Planeta gave life to this project, but behind them they have the whole family, rooted in the reality of Sicilian agriculture for generations, beginning with Diego Planeta, considered the leading figure in the rebirth of the Sicilian wine industry in the last forty years. A brand, a family that has aimed at ambitious goals, following the lode-star of quality.