“Planet” (“Planeta”) – here it is, the mafia of Sicily! Despite the very young age of the company, its results are stunning. In less than twenty years of existence, planet just seized the Sicilian wine market. The company owns 400 hectares of vineyards in 6 different places on the island. Supply of wine annually reaches more than a million bottles in 70 countries.
The history of the company
17 generations of a family planet lived on the island of Sicily and was engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry. And then, one day, in the 90-ies Diego Planeta, one of the family members, thinking about the prospects of winemaking. Together with his nephews Alessio and Santi, Diego planted the first vines. In 1996 they received their first harvest. The family was very lucky with the name – it is a perfect fit for the name brand.
In those days the island of Sicily had not the best reputation in the world of wine. Wines produced on the island, was strong and cheap. The French bought them with the purpose of Assemblywoman low-quality wines. At this time, the Planeta family decided to change the situation and to achieve production of quality wine. The first step was the decision to grow internationally known grape varieties such as Chardonnay and Syrah. The aim was to change the public’s attitude to Sicilian wines. Later the family returns to their native varieties Carricante and Fiano. And show what they can do.
Success
In 1996 was born the first Chardonnay. From this point the family began to increase their possession. Today it owns 6 wineries in all of Sicily. Francesca Planeta stood behind the wheel of the company’s management in the late 90-ies. Today she is responsible for marketing and communications. Her role in the company impossible to ignore. Francesca’s traveled around the world and tell people from all over the world about their wines and the island of Sicily. The result was not long in coming – the attitude of Sicilian wines has changed. People began to love and appreciate wine from Sicily.
Family made staggering 2.2 million bottles a year. But, despite this, the business will remain a family affair. Six family members manage this vast Empire. In order to obtain high-quality and flavorful the wine, the family makes the emphasis on terroir. The unique microclimate in different parts of the island gives you the opportunity to obtain the extraordinary and diverse wines. This is the uniqueness of the family of planets.
The wines produced by the Planeta family
All the wines of the family of planets can be divided by their place of production. A total of 17 items.
Ulmo (Sambuca di Sicilia)
This is the main family estate in which they worked and lived for centuries. Villa built in the XVII century, located among the ruins of the Arab castle, mountain range and lake Arancio surround her from both sides. 94 hectares of vineyards are located here. This is one of the favorite places for tourists – people can walk on designated trails and to learn about the history of Sicilian winemaking to the fullest. The guides give lectures in the field. It is also possible to visit the Museum of Sicilian winemaking.
In the main, the estate produces the following wines:
Chardonnay IGT Sicilia — a revolutionary wine. An example of what can be now Sicilian wine. Technically this is 100% Chardonnay. Aged for equal periods of time in old and new oak. Has a storage capacity of 6 to 8 years.
Sicilia DOC Alastro — consists of 95% of Grecanico and 5% Fiano. Aged on its lees for 6 months. Storage capacity – 4 to 5 years.
Maroccoli Syrah — red wine from the eponymous vineyard of Syrah located at an altitude of 450 meters above sea level near the coast.
Sito Dell Ulmo – Merlot — 100% Merlot. Aged for 14 months in oak. Storage capacity – up to 10 years.
Plumbago — 100% Sicilian variety Nero D’avola. Aged in barrels for 6 months. Year of birth of this wine – 2008.
Buonivini (Noto)
In 1998, the family gets 51 hectares of vineyards together with the Buonivini estate. It is located in the South-Eastern part of the island. The climate of the local area is very hot. To improve the wine storage in 2003 was built a truly unique cellar. Ecology this area is very good – the Sicilians are proud of the grape varieties Nero D’avola and Moscato Bianco grown here. District Buonivini pleases us wines such as Santa Cecilia, Noto DOC (from Nero D’avola) and Passito di Noto DOC.
Dispensa (Menfi)
This is the largest family estate. It is surrounded by 120 hectares of vineyards. Here is the store Infernotto, which are carefully stored all the wines of Planeta. Also, there is a library with a collection of ancient and modern books about wine and winemaking. White and red La Segreta wines come from. Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet franc, as well as the famous Cometa of the southern Italian Fiano, too, were born here. Over wine Cometa worked since the 90-ies and, finally, in 2000-m to year it has shown itself, and has become one of the best white wines of southern Italy.
Dorilli (Vittoria)
Located in the heart of the region is Cerasuolo di Vittoria. This is one of the oldest wine-growing regions. Nero d’avola and Frappato is situated on 34 hectares of vineyards. Red wine with a status of DOCG – Cerasuolo di Vittoria is produced in this region.
Etna (Feudo di Mezzo)
The vineyard is located on the slopes of the active volcano Etna at an altitude of 900 metres above sea level – quite a bold step! Varieties of Nerello, Mascalese and Carricante germinate here. The wines produced here are very young. Eruzione white from Carricante and Riesling is a unique wine. Subtle mineral tones will surprise you.
La Baronia (the promontory of Capo Milazzo)
8 hectares of vineyards with indigenous varieties, located in the North-East of the island – is the smallest estate of the family of planets. The family plans to make in the area of DOC wine Mamertino, which was done in the days of Ancient Rome. The result promises to be spectacular.
Favorite wine Francesca Planeta – Santa Cecilia red. On the labels of the emblem of the family. Almost a decade lasted the experiments on obtaining of the wine.
“Planet” is not only a winery and olive oil production, it’s a whole industry. Tastings, seminars, hotels, participation in charitable and environmental actions are controlled by this Sicilian mafia, in the best sense of the word.
