Wine Along The 101
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    • 2023 Articles >
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour 2022, A Brief Look at the Complex World of Italian Wine
      • A Night of Sicilian Wine, Spotlighting Cambria and Madaudo Wineries
      • Yealands Wines, “Think Boldly, Tread Lightly”, Leading the World Toward Sustainable Winemaking
    • 2022 Articles >
      • Further Defining the Single Vineyard Cru Wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, the Rise of the MGA
      • The Barolo Cru Wines of Beni di Batasiolo
      • Pyros Wines Sparks World-Class Malbec
      • AlloraVino Imports, a Love Affair with Italian Wine
      • Maisons Marques & Domaines Wine Portfolio: Prestige, Glamour and Good Taste for the Holidays
      • The Original Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, a Condiment and a Culture
      • Rocca delle Macìe, Taking Chianti Classico to New Heights
      • Alluring and Iconic, The World of Chianti Wines
      • Paso Robles Weaves a Thrilling Tapestry of World-Class Wine
      • LXV Wines, The Spice of Paso Robles
      • The Mouthwatering Sauvignon Blancs of Chile
      • The Wines of Portugal, Discover a World of Difference
      • Domaines Albert Bichot, An Exceptional Approach to Burgundian Wine
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, in Can and Bottle
    • Coen Malbec Reserve 2019, a New World Wine with Old World Sensibilities
    • Sangre de Toro Rosé, A Light and Bright Summer Thirst Quencher
    • Summer and Sauvignon Blanc, Lucky Rock Wine Co. Style
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure 2022 Highlights Hidden California Wine Gems
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
  • Wine Travel
  • Videos
    • Celebration of Harvest
    • Feliz Noche Wines
    • Terravant Custom Crush
    • Que Syrah, Shiraz!
    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
    • L'Aventure Syrah Harvest
    • Clos Pepe's Prince of Pinot
  • Photos
  • Who We Are
    • About Patricia Decker
    • About Fabian Rodriguez
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Etna vineyard, Courtesy of Planeta
Planeta of Sicily is symbolic of the wine renaissance that has swept this Mediterranean island.  Today, it is an esteemed wine empire, widely considered one of the best on the island.  Seventeen generations of the Planeta family have cultivated their destiny here, dedicated to innovating and improving Sicilian wine.  Rooted to the land for over five hundred years, the Planeta family has evolved from a large cooperative to a complex family business over the past three decades.  In the 1980’s, three passionate young family members, Alessio, Francesca and Santi, decided to take the winery to a new level, under the wing of founder Diego Planeta. Starting with the historic family estate of Sambuca di Sicilia in Menfi, they have sought out the best vineyards across the island to make exceptional wine.  Encompassing seven wineries and six estates in five regions, today’s mission is to produce fascinating wines from Sicily’s ancient native varietals, alongside their renowned international varietal wines.
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Planeta's Capo Milazzo vineyard, Courtesy of Planeta
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Courtesy of Planeta
​Sicily is the largest wine producing region in Italy, ahead of even Tuscany and Piedmont.  Although the climate may be warm throughout the year, the mountain elevations, diverse soils and island winds mark the wines with a fresh and elegant character, that reflects the Mediterranean in its essence.  Fragrant and distinctive, intriguing in its fruit, savory notes, and texture, the very best Sicilian wines are made from the indigenous wine grape varietals found all over the island.  Grillo, Carricante, Grecanico, Catarratto, Inzolia, Frappato, and Nero d’Avola are just a few of the many ancient grapes cultivated on Sicily.
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Dorilli in Vittorio, Courtesy of Planeta
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Courtesy of Planeta
Planeta first received accolades for its Chardonnay over twenty years ago, part of its push to produce high quality wine, overturning Sicily’s reputation for poor quality bulk wine.  Today, Planeta is focused on resurrecting some forgotten grapes and expanding plantings of flagship indigenous varietals, researching which sites are a perfect match.  They studied the storied “phantom wines” from history, and delved deep into each wine territory across the island, creating boutique wineries with a specific identity.
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Etna vineyard, Courtesy of Planeta
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Etna winery, Courtesy of Planeta
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Buonivini vineyard, Courtesy of Planeta
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Planeta’s five different “territories”, Menfi, Vittoria, Noto, Etna and Capo Milazzo, provide a rich tapestry of terroir that craft very distinctive wines.  When you think of Sicily, you think of the volcanic soils surrounding Mount Etna, home to Nerello Mascalese and Carricante.  But there is so much more to Sicilian terroir.  For example, the Buonivini estate in Noto sits on white limestone hills, caressed by breezes arising from the collision of two seas, and is home to Nero d’Avola and Moscato.
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Patricia Toth, Chief Winemaker for Planeta
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Patricia Toth, chief winemaker for Planeta, shared the glory of seven wines made with Sicilian indigenous varietals, paired with the exquisite cuisine of Drago Centro in Downtown Los Angeles at a trade luncheon.  These wines are the future, bringing a new dimension to Sicilian wine, and a diverse identity for Planeta.  Toth also oversees their sustainable vineyard development program, which includes other agriculture, such as olive trees, oranges, and chickpeas.  Certified SOSTAIN, the first regional Italian environmental viticultural certification project, Planeta uses a combination of traditional farming methods and organic growing practices, approached through the lens of science and technology, to achieve the best possible outcomes.  Currently, Planeta has set the standard for all winemaking in Sicily, improving the wines and the vineyards along the way.
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We were greeted with a glass of the Planeta Allemanda Bianco Noto DOC 2021 (SRP $26), a 100% Moscato Bianco that wowed the senses.  It had the aromas of a sweet Moscato, with jasmine and citrus, but on the palate, it was dry and refreshing, a perfect aperitif and so delicious with the Seafood Arancini with Saffron Aioli and the Ahi Tuna Tartare.
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The Planeta Eruzione 1614 Carricante Sicilia DOC 2018 (SRP $45) is so very intriguing, a blend of 90% Carricante and 10% Riesling.   Grown on the north slopes of Etna, Eruzione is named for the 1614 eruption, which lasted for ten years, and stopped just at the edge of the present day Sciaranuova vineyard estate.  An intensely aromatic wine, with a saline nose of citrus, Mediterranean brush and smoke, its vibrant, textured palate of lemon peel and green apple with a long mineral finish is fascinating, and one of my favorites of the lunch.  It was served with Seared Octopus over Potato Purée, a perfect pairing.
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​The second course was made up of two pasta dishes, Paccheri with Swordfish and Fennel, and Garganelli with Pork Sausage and Fennel Pollen, served with the two following wines.
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​The Planeta Frappato Vittoria DOC 2020 (SRP $28) is fragrant and light in body, with strawberry, red cherry, pomegranate, white pepper and violet aromas.  The savory palate, with red fruit accented with a smokey note, is silky and mouthwatering, a very good food wine, and often served slightly chilled to bring out its refreshing summer vibes.
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​The Planeta Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG 2020 (SRP $29), a blend of 60% Nero d’Avola and 40% Frappato, is aromatic and textured, combining the fragrant, floral characteristics of Frappato with the full body and tannins of Nero d’Avola.  It intrigues with its wild red fruits, such as mulberry, and black pepper character, and the palate is savory and round.  Cerasuolo di Vittoria is the only DOCG wine in Sicily, and the name Cerasuolo means “cherry red”, a nod to the beautiful color of this wine.
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The third course, the Short Rib with Mushroom Barley was served alongside three red wines.
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​The Planeta Eruzione 1614 Nerello Mascalese Sicilia DOC 2018 (SRP$45) packs the wow factor!  It’s 100% Nerello Mascalese from the volcanic soils of Mt. Etna, intoxicating in its aromas of wild berries, flowers and herbs, balanced in its acidity, sweet fruit and structure, with a palate that unfurls with mineral and light spice, upon a long finish.
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​The Planeta Nocera DOC 2017 (SRP $34) is a wild and energetic wine, made from a grape I’ve never tasted before, Nocera.  Aromas of summer fruit and plums, with floral and white pepper notes, and a strong scent of Mediterranean garrigue unfold in a lighter-bodied red, with softer tannins.  It’s an unusual wine, fermented and aged in stainless steel, which preserves the fruit essence, with malolactic fermentation to soften its edges.
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The Planeta Mamertino 2017 (SPR $38), a blend of 60% Nero d’Avola and 40% Nocera, is a layered, delicious wine, whose ancient grape ancestors were drunk by the likes of Julius Caesar.  Intense aromas of dark, sweet berries, with Mediterranean scrub swirl from its deep palate of refined tannins.  It has an essence of umami, perhaps from the vineyard being so close to the sea in the Capo Milazzo area.
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And, for you foodies, dessert was Cannoli filled with Ricotta and Pistachio Cream, a very non traditional and artistic presentation.
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When you taste these wines, they are so intriguing, very different from the common international varietal wines, they engage your senses and redefine your palate.  Planeta is a complex operation, and their website is essential to understanding how diverse Sicilian wines are.  It’s a guided tour, that gives insight into the specifics of winemaking while making it very consumer friendly, assisting wine lovers in identifying the aromas and flavors that appeals most to them.
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Planeta has deepened their ties to Sicily, dedicated to placing a modern spin on an ancient wine culture.  Innovative and looking to the future while farming organically and preserving its environment, Planeta crafts outstanding wines, embracing its past while reaching for the future.