Planeta might be a massive name in Sicily, but their operation on the northern slopes of Mount Etna is entirely focused on raw, volcanic expression. If you want a wine wrapped in commercial luxury or heavy oak, look away. This 2023 Rosso is 100% Nerello Mascalese grown in jet-black ash, and it is built strictly on tension.
The aromatics are feral and distinctly alpine. It leaps from the glass with a sharp, high-toned blast of crushed pumice, wild mountain strawberry, and a smoky, savory veil of ash and dried herbs. There is absolutely zero sweet fruit masking the terroir; it smells incredibly cool and intellectual.
On the palate, it vibrates with pure, nervous energy. It drives completely vertical, snapping tight with a razor-sharp spine of acidity and a fiercely "crunchy" core of tart red fruit. The tannins are ultra-fine but incredibly strict—dusty, volcanic, and demanding. It finishes bone-dry with an electric, saline cut that completely resets the palate. A tense, unapologetic mountain wine with serious architectural grip that demands a plate of roasted wild mushrooms or grilled lamb.
About the ProducerFounded in 1995 by the cousins Alessio, Francesca and Santi Planeta, this family estate catalyzed the modern Sicilian wine renaissance. They began by proving the island’s potential with international varieties like Chardonnay and Syrah before becoming leading champions of Sicily’s indigenous grapes and diverse terroirs. Today Planeta makes a “journey through Sicily,” with wineries in Menfi, Vittoria, Noto, Etna and Capo Milazzo.
Menfi is where it started. The Chardonnay practically put modern Sicilian wine on the map; historically rich and heavily wooded, the recent vintages have become more coastal and tense, with a saline snap. The Maroccoli Syrah, from an elevated vineyard, is peppery, meaty and structured rather than jammy, and Burdese is the estate’s tribute to Bordeaux. La Segreta Rosso, anchored by Nero d’Avola, is an everyday red with real energy.
On the north slope of Etna the style changes completely. The Etna Bianco and the Contrada Taccione, 100% Carricante from about 700 metres on black lava sand, are all volcanic tension and salinity; the Etna Rosso and Eruzione 1614, named after the long eruption of that year, show Nerello Mascalese’s red fruit, ash and fine, strict tannins. Few Sicilian producers cover so much of the island so consistently.
Vintage Context 2023 Vintage Released 2025
★★★☆☆
Challenging. Downy mildew (Peronospora) reduced crops significantly. Quality is good but quantities are tiny.
