Background

Produced since 1995 in the Sicilian town of Menfi, from where the Planeta winery operates, Planeta Chardonnay is currently one of the winery's and the island's most representative wines. Chardonnay was the first variety to be planted here in the mid1980s, in the Ulmo and Maroccoli vineyards, at an altitude that ranges between 250 and 415 metres above sea level and on clay-based ground. Stemming from these grapes, ripened under the Sicilian sun yet simultaneously undergoing the influence of a fresh Mediterranean breeze, is this seductive white wine which encapsulates better than any other the firm's history and makes abundantly clear how international varieties adapt extraordinarily well to Sicily's soils.

Tasting notes

Golden yellow with a greenish hue, this exceptional wine offers a layered and complex nose, featuring citrus fruit, chestnut, honey, and a touch of spice. Remarkably comparable to top Cru White Burgundy, yet at half the price.

Winemaking

Vinification: After destalking, soft pressing and static sedimentation at a low temperature, fermentation in barrique at 18⁰C, maturation of 11 months with bâtonnage carried out every 10 days Maturation: in Allier oak barriques of 225 litres, 50% new and 50% 2nd and 3rd use.

Food pairings

Pairs well with richly flavoured, fleshy fish, mushroom and truffle risotto and medium bodied, hard cheeses.