Planeta Rosé Sicilia DOC, Sicily, Italy 2024

Planeta is one of Sicily’s defining modern wineries, founded by the visionary Planeta family in the 1980s with the goal of showcasing the island’s immense viticultural diversity. Today, the estate spans six distinct properties across Sicily, with each vineyard carefully matched to varieties best suited to its soils and microclimate. Their Rosé Sicilia DOC captures the freshness, vibrancy, and Mediterranean character of coastal southern Sicily. WINEMAKER: Alessio Planeta and Patricia Tóth FARMING: Sustainable farming practices VARIETY: Nero d’Avola, Syrah TERROIR: Sourced from the Dispensa estate in Menfi, where vineyards sit between 213–246 feet above sea level. Soils are moderately calcareous with yellow and grey chalk, fine texture, and minimal stone content. Coastal influences and warm Sicilian sunshine contribute ripeness while preserving freshness. VINIFICATION: Grapes harvested separately in early September; after destemming, the fruit undergoes a brief maceration of approximately one hour to extract delicate color and aromatics. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel over 8–10 days, followed by light macro-oxygenation and weekly lees stirring AGING: Aged on fine lees in stainless steel prior to blending and bottling TASTING NOTES: Pale salmon in color, with aromas of hibiscus, rose petal, wild strawberry, blackberry, and melon. The palate is lively and refreshing, showing notes of peach flesh and soft meringue balanced by crisp acidity and a clean Mediterranean finish FOOD PAIRINGS: Crudo, grilled prawns, Niçoise salad, watermelon and feta, or light Sicilian seafood dishes SCORES: 90 – James Suckling