Scott Greenberg, special to wtop.com
Sicily has long been known for being the Italian crossroad of both ancient and modern culture. The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, separated by a narrow strait of water from the “toe” of southern Italy, Sicily has been home to settlers from ancient Greece, North Africa and various European countries, including, of course, Italy. But what many people don’t know is that it is also home to some of the most remarkable wines in Italy. And lately, many of those wines bear the name Planeta.
In a word, Planeta wines are environmentally friendly and delicious. What’s not to love?
The 2010 Planeta Carricante is a white wine that hails from the Sambuca di Sicilia region where the Planeta family has owned the vineyard since the 17th century. The nose sports a very fragrant bouquet of citrus fruit and white flowers. Flavors of green apple, nectarine and roasted almonds are balanced by bright acidity and abundant minerality on the crisp, bone dry finish. $40
The white Fiano grape for the 2009 Planeta Cometa Fiano comes from the Menfi region, located on the southwestern coast of the island. The maritime influences and chalky soils contribute to the fragrant nose of guava, kumquat and apricot. It has a distinctly tropical fruit palate that includes papaya and pineapple on the front of the tongue and notes of pear on the mellow finish. $40
From the Vittoria region comes the 2010 Planeta Cerasuolo de Vittoria DOCG. Cerasuolo means “cherry color” in Italian and that’s just what the wine looks like. Aromas of cherry and strawberry fill the bouquet while charming flavors of strawberry, pomegranate and red cherry fills the entire mouth on a simply-but -delightful frame. Just a touch of truffle on the medium-bodied finish adds to the amiable appeal of this wine. $22
The limestone and tufa content that make up the soils of the Noto region also contribute to the wonderfully flavorful 2007 Planeta Sant Cecillia Nero D’Avola. Nero d’Avola is to Sicily what Chianti is to Tuscany and the flagship grape produces a wine with a heady nose of dark plum, cocoa and leather. Chewy flavors of dark cherry, black plum and tobacco are nicely integrated on a full-bodied frame. The nicely balance finish is long and smooth, with just a whisper of smokiness on the tail end. $40
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