Planeta is one of the major winemakers of Sicily, a family affair that features six boutique wineries scattered around the island, its 30+ wines representing nearly every part of the area. Francesca Planeta, the matriarch of the family, recently dropped in on San Francisco and treated us to lunch and discussion of Planeta’s production. (Only 12 of those bottling are sold in the U.S.) I loved the whites more than the less refined reds, but all of the wines showed the variety and character that Sicily has to offer.

Tasting Report: Wines of Planeta

2011 Planeta La Segreta IGT / A / A blend of Grecanico, Chardonnay, Fiano, and Viognier. Fruity and fresh, with peaches and pears galore, very easy drinking, great body, and a perfect finish.

2010 Planeta Carricante Sicilia IGT / B+ / Soft nose, with flowers and a slate finish. Touches of fennel. A high-altitude white wine.

2010 Planeta “Cometa” Fiano Sicilia IGT / A / An exotic wine with more flowers, honeysuckle, and some tropical pineapple and peach notes. More subtle than the first white, with bracing and fresh acidity.

2010 Planeta Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG / B / 60% Nero d’Avola, 40% Frappato. Some prune character, licorice notes, and tree stump. A big thin, with lighter black fruit. Aims for delicacy but isn’t quite there.

2007 Planeta “Santa Cecilia” Nero d’Avola Sicilia IGT / B+ / Menthol atop a massive body with huge herb character. Smoothed out tannins, slightly flabby on the finish. Planeta’s flagship wine.

2010 Planeta Passito di Noto DOC / A- / 100% Moscato Bianco. Lots of aromatics, brisk apricot notes. Earthy undertones, good balance with solid but not overwhelming sweetness.

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