Planeta Santa Cecilia Nero d'Avola Noto DOC, Sicily, Italy, 75cl

Planeta Santa Cecilia is a Sicilian red made from 100% Nero d’Avola in the Noto DOC, in the south-east of the island, an area the producer describes as the variety’s place of origin. Grown on old vines in pale, calcareous soils, it is a deep, Mediterranean-scented red with fine-grained tannins and a savoury, structured character.

About the producer

Planeta is a Sicilian family estate whose family has worked the island’s land for around five centuries. Its first winery was established at Ulmo near Menfi in 1995, and the Buonivini estate near Noto was acquired in 1998. Planeta now farms five estates across Sicily, has been SOStain certified since 2010, and has had its whole cultivated area certified organic since 2022.

How it’s made

Santa Cecilia comes from a selection of the Zuppardo and Agliastro vineyards, 35 to 40 metres above sea level, where old vines are trained on trellises with spur-pruned cordon. The soils are calcareous marl with abundant small stones. The vineyards have been certified organic from the 2021 vintage, with cover crops such as fava bean and vetch grown between the rows.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Mediterranean scrub and dried seaweed alongside sour cherry, very ripe wild blackberry, bergamot, bitter orange, carob and incense.
• Palate: Ripe fruit woven with wood tannin, finely grained yet open and well balanced against the wine’s structure.
• Finish: Savoury and structured, with supple tannins carrying the flavour.

How to enjoy it

Serve Planeta Santa Cecilia at cool room temperature in a large red wine glass, and open it a little ahead of time to let it settle. It pairs well with grilled lamb, sausages, aubergine and tomato dishes, and aged pecorino.

Details

• Type: Red wine
• Region / origin: Noto, south-east Sicily, Italy (Noto DOC)
• Producer: Planeta
• Grape: 100% Nero d’Avola
• ABV: 13%
• Volume: 75cl

Please drink responsibly. This product is intended for customers aged 18 and over.