2022 Planeta Chardonnay "Menfi", Sicily, Italy

ABOUT THIS WINE

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.

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.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

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.