We had an out-of-this-world experience at Planeta Winery—one you might recognize from White Lotus Season 2!
Our visit had been planned long before the show brought global attention to this stunning destination, and it did not disappoint. We had the pleasure of tasting a selection of their Etna DOC wines, along with a few special pours from their other Sicilian properties.
As a dynamic producer, Planeta crafts wines from various corners of the island, including their Traditional Method sparkling wine—a long-time favorite of ours. We first fell in love with it in 2016, brought it home, and have been singing its praises ever since. This rich and complex sparkling wine is made from the Carricante grape, a white variety indigenous to Sicily.
Carricante, a late-ripening variety, plays a crucial role in the Etna DOC. It works beautifully in a Traditional Method sparkling with extended time sur lie—in this case, 24 months. During our tasting, we explored this grape both as a single variety and in a contrada (parcel) context. The 2014 vintage showcased its mineral and saline character, aging beautifully over time. Not to be outdone, the Nerello Mascalese wines stood out with their acidity and structure, proving that even a red-wine skeptic with a penchant for sparkling could appreciate their depth.
As their estate portfolio grows, Planeta continues to explore more indigenous varieties, utilizing different vineyard sites to bring out the best in Sicilian wines. Their dedication extends beyond winemaking, as they actively collaborate with Palermo University to revive nearly forgotten grape varieties that thrive in the volcanic soils of the Etna DOC region. This commitment to preserving and enhancing Sicily’s wine heritage is truly commendable.
A huge thank you to winemaker Patricia Toth for organizing this incredible tasting experience for us.