Planeta Dorilli Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG

I’ve been on an Italian wine adventure all week (and LOVING it)! This particular wine is from Planeta, located in the DOCG of Cerasuolo di Vittoria in Sicily, Italy. Sicily has the largest and still active today volcano, Mount Etna located in the northeastern corner of the country. The last eruption was in 2017 but the major eruption was over the winter of 2008/2009. The soils are mineral rich from . This DOCG, granted in 2005, is the only one in Sicily. The wines are made from Nero Davola and Frappato, both of which are indigenous grapes to Sicily. Nero Davola brings weight and body, the Frappato lively freshness. These wines can age minimum 5 to 10 years.

Planeta was founded in the 1600s by cousins Alessio and Santi Planeta and uncle Diego. The family has 6 estates in Sicily. The made a wide range of wines from Fiano, Garganega, Chardonnay, Syrah, Moscato Bianco, Frappato and Nero d'Avola. Seven, yes 7, generations later, the Planeta family has a reputation for innovation, winemaking leaders and revitalizing winemaking in Sicily. This wine is from the Cantina (vineyard) Dorilli which is located in the southwestern corner of the island, near the Dorilli river. The soils consists mainly of loose red sand with no stones and moderately deep with a layer of tufa lies at about 90 cm. The altitude is around 90 meters. The family estates are sustainably farmed. After harvest, the bunches are destalked and spent 14 days macerating on the skin. It is then fermented at 23⁰C in stainless steel vats, a vertical basket pressing and maturation for 12 months in small oak barrels.

The wine is a medium ruby color. It is a blend of 70% Nero Davola and 30% Frappato. Aromas of wild cherry, mulberry, plum and ash jump out of the glass. Palate is dry, the tannins are soft with fresh acidity. The flavors of wild cherry, mulberry, cocoa, plum, rose petal, savoriness with a bitter almond and ash finish. The finish is long and lovely. This wine is lean, vibrant and elegant.

My video review is available on Instagram Planeta Dorilli Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG 2016

Pair with tuna carpaccio, grilled lamb burgers, pork chops, shellfish or clam bake, aged Cheddar or wild mushroom pizza.