chardonnay

Chardonnay

Sicilia Menfi D.O.C.

100% Chardonnay

A wine which has become the illustration of changes in Sicilian wine. It was created from a wish to compete in the world production of this noble and widespread vine. After a long process beginning in 1985, full of surprises and successes, today Planeta’s Chardonnay is an icon for the whole of Sicily. The vines of Ulmo and Maroccoli, from which it is made, are unique for position and terroir. Fermentation and aging in French wood, with precision and care, present us with a wine unique for its grace and power.

Awards

2022 Merano Wine Hunter Gold
2021 Wine Enthusiast 93
2020 James Suckling 93
Wine Spectator 92
Guida essenziale ai vini d'Italia di D. Cernilli 92
2019 Bibenda 5 Grappoli
Wine Advocate Robert Parker 95
Vinepair 93
Vinous 90
Wine Spectator 90
Merano Wine Hunter Gold
2018 Bibenda 5 Grappoli
Merano Wine Hunter Platinum
Wine Advocate Robert Parker 94
James Suckling 93
Vinous 93
Winescritic.com 93
Wine Spectator 90
Wine Enthusiast 90
2017 Falstaff 94
James Suckling 93
Wine Advocate Robert Parker 92
2016 Guida essenziale ai vini d'Italia di D. Cernilli 94
James Suckling 93
Vinous 90
Asian Chardonnay Master Silver
I vini di Veronelli Tre Stelle
2015 Guida essenziale ai vini d'Italia di D. Cernilli 95
Decanter World Wine Awards 95 Platinum
James Suckling 94
Drink Business-Global Chardonnay Masters Gold
Jancis Robinson 17
Chardonnay du monde Silver
Wine Spectator 91
5StarWines 91
2014 Decanter World Wine Awards 95 Gold
James Suckling 93
Wine Advocate Robert Parker 93
Vinous 92+
Falstaff 91
Wine Spectator 89
Guida essenziale ai vini d'Italia di Daniele Cernilli 87
2013 Merano Wine Festival - International Wine & Food Excellence Gold Medal
James Suckling 93
Falstaff 92
Wine Spectator 90
Jancis Robinson 15,5
2012 Wine Spectator 90
James Suckling 94
Sommelier Wine Award Commended
2011 James Suckling 93
Falstaff 92
Vinous 91
Wine Enthusiast 91
Wine Spectator 90
Wine Advocate Robert Parker 90
Jancis Robinson 16,5
Chardonnay du Monde Silver
Decanter World Wine Awards Bronze
I vini di Veronelli Tre stelle rosse (91 pt)
Guida vini Siciliani (Giornale di Sicilia) Vino a 5 stelle
2010 James Suckling 93
Wine Enthusiast 92
Wine Spectator 90
Wine Advocate Robert Parker 89
Chardonnay du Monde Gold
Sommelier Wine Award Silver
Decanter World Wine Awards Bronze
Weinwirtschaft Top 100 wines
Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri
2009 Bibenda 5 Grappoli
Wine Enthusiast 91
Jancis Robinson 15,5
Decanter World Wine Awards Regional Trophy
Guida vini Siciliani (Giornale di Sicilia) Vino a 5 stelle
2008 James Suckling 92
Falstaff 92
Wine Enthusiast 91
Wine Advocate Robert Parker 89
Vinous 89
Bibenda 5 Grappoli
2007 Bibenda 5 Grappoli
Wine Enthusiast 90
Wine Spectator 90
Wine Advocate Robert Parker 89
Vinous 89
Decanter World Wine Awards Commended
Chardonnay du Monde Bronze
2006 Wine Spectator 92
Wine Enthusiast 91
Vinous 90
Bibenda 5 Grappoli
2005 Wine Spectator 93
Wine Enthusiast 91
Falstaff 91
Bibenda 5 Grappoli
Chardonnay du Monde Bronze
2004 Bibenda 5 Grappoli
Wine Enthusiast 90
Wine Spectator 90
Chardonnay du Monde Silver
2003 Bibenda 5 Grappoli
Wine Spectator 89
2002 Wine Spectator 92
Top Italian Whites 92
Bibenda 5 Grappoli
Wine Advocate Robert Parker 89
Decanter Commended
2001 Bibenda 5 Grappoli
Wine Spectator 91
Wine Advocate Robert Parker 91
Wine Enthusiast 88
Jancis Robinson 15
2000 Wine Spectator 94
Bibenda 5 Grappoli
Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri
Jancis Robinson 17
1999 Bibenda 5 Grappoli
Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri
Wine Spectator 93
Vinous 90
Jancis Robinson 17
1998 Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri
Wine Spectator 91
Jancis Robinson 16
1997 Bibenda 5 Grappoli
Chardonnay du Monde Gold
Wine Advocate Robert Parker 88
Jancis Robinson 13
1996 Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri
Vinous 88
Jancis Robinson 16
1995 Jancis Robinson 17,5
1994 Jancis Robinson 17

Close

Altimetry

250-415

Above sea level

01

Climate

20° - 24°Average temperature

02

Farming system

Vertical trellis; bilateral Guyot and spur pruned cordon

Planting density

4.500/5.000 plants per hectare

Now

11.16°C

Cloudiness 6%
Humidity 95%
Wind 1.71mh ↙

First Vintage

1994

See vintages

bianca
  • 1995
  • 1996
  • 1997
  • 1998
  • 1999
  • 2000
  • 2001
  • 2002
  • 2003
  • 2004
  • 2005
  • 2006
  • 2007
  • 2008
  • 2009
  • 2010
  • 2011
  • 2012
  • 2013
  • 2014
  • 2015
  • 2016
  • Climate:
    Particularly cool harvest period.
  • Climate:
    A harvest with dual results after a particularly cool August.
  • Climate:
    Hot August.
  • Climate:
    The cycle of hot dry harvests begins.
  • Climate:
    A vintage distinguished by dry winter and spring with very hot August. White wines are hot.
  • Climate:
    Almost perfect vintage for whites with ideally bright hot July and August.
  • Climate:
    A cooler summer (as in 2004) provided very good fruity full white wines for slow maturation.
  • Climate:
    Winter and spring with very little rain. Low production and very good quality in contrast with the rest of Italy. Better white than red wines.
  • Climate:
    More rain than usual refreshed some of the harvest, resulting in whites with great fruit and structure.
  • Climate:
    Cold wet winter and spring were a perfect preparation for the vines, harvest began 15 days late with cool temperate weather.Very fresh whites.
  • Climate:
    Abundant spring and winter rain perfectly prepared the vineyards for summer and autumn ripening. The surprisingly fresh and cool temperatures of July, August and September achieved the rest, with the grapes arriving at the winery in perfect condition.
  • Climate:
    A rainy late-autumn and low temperatures, though not excessively so, have laid strong basis to a good vintage . The vines were able to rest in well-soaked soil. After a rainy winter the spring was particularly cool and dry. A mild summer provided for excellent ripening of both white and red grapes. The 2006 vintage has been excellent with regard to the quality of the grapes. The grapes are sound, the yield generally about 10% down.This vintage can be described as luminous and sunny. The whites are rich, creamy, and well-defined by type of grape.
  • Climate:
    A brief description of the weather preceding the 2007 harvest is essential. We were cheered in 2006 by an autumn finishing with good October rain that prepared the vines well for their autumn and winter rest. A relatively mild winter followed with temperatures that were never very low and a lower than average rainfall. A weather pattern that coincided with the rest of Italy, with the difference that mild winters are the norm in our area. This winter did make us fear for the summer reserves of water, but then in spring an unusually plentiful rainfall covered the whole of our region until the beginning of May. This is why in Sicily we had no expectations of an early vintage but, until mid-July, we were thinking rather of a late vintage. From July onwards, the most important time for deciding quality, the weather was particularly propitious. After two short but intense heatwaves, typical for the period from 20th July to 15th August, it stayed fine, temperatures stabilized, and persistent high pressure presented us with a vintage with no rainfall the first slight shower arrived on 25th September! and with amazing maturation. For those who enjoy comparisons, in our reckoning the recent years most similar to 2007, in Sicily, are 1997 and 2001.
  • Climate:
    The 2008 vintage ended on Saturday, 4th October. Late in autumn and during winter 2008, rains were just below standard; temperatures, instead, were within seasonal average. Spring confirmed what had happened previously, no abundant rains; the last one, at the end of April, was decisive for the quality of grapes. Therefore, grapes had a fresh and dry climate all the way to the harvesting, without any excessive heat, but with ideal temperatures for ripening. grapes were absolutely wholesome, and did not need to undergo any phytosanitary defence interventions. The result was a superb vintage, the indigenous varieties are absolutely excellent. White wines thanks to the lack of thermal excesses are full-bodied and well balanced and perfectly aromatic. Grecanico wine is particularly excellent, just as the early varieties Chardonnay and Viogner. Fiano wine will get back to its highest quality, such as the 2001 vintage.
  • Climate:
    The climatic conditions prevailing during the 2010 harvest were particularly favourable. In 2009 the autumn finished with abundant rainfall, ideal for setting the vines to rest. The winter had normal temperatures and not too much rain. The spring was also average, with rain at the end. The summer began with cooler temperatures until the middle of August, when the temperature then rose to assist perfect ripening. Around 20th September rain assisted the harvest at Vittoria. On the other hand the beginning of summer on Etna was fairly dry but the rains at the end of September were useful and prolonged the harvest until 21st October. Might 2010 be one of the best vintages out of the previous ten? It is early to say but it is certainly a super vintage.
  • Climate:
    We began on 16th August and finished on 21st October, 66 days of almost uninterrupted harvesting. The climatic conditions prevailing during the 2010 harvest were particularly favourable. In 2009 the autumn finished with abundant rainfall, ideal for setting the vines to rest. The winter had normal temperatures and not too much rain. The spring was also average, with rain at the end. The summer began with cooler temperatures until the middle of August, when the temperature then rose to assist perfect ripening. Western Sicily: Menfi and Sambuca. A fine consistent harvest, thanks to an almost perfect summer and autumn. The healthiest grapes and the amount produced in line with recent years. The whites, thanks to a cool July and first half of August, are very well balanced and with exciting aromatic profiles, particularly the early varieties such as Chardonnay and Viognier. The harvest at Sambuca di Sicilia was completed on 28th September with the Grecanico which offers elegance and balance.
  • Climate:
    The climatic indicators of 2011 had forecast, on a global level, a classic winter with precipitations below average, which after the last few winters with their copious rainfalls had us a little worried. But then in the spring the situation changed; copious rain fell even relatively late in the season and prepared the vineyards to perfection. The summer was hot without being excessively so, and the grapes were able to ripen without a flaw.
  • Menfi e Sambuca
    The harvest here registered a sharp drop in production of the early varieties such as Chardonnay and Viognier, an amazing quality especially for Nero d'Avola and Syrah as well as Cabernet Franc, which are rich and varietal with an excellent tannic structure. The harvest was completed with the harvest of Grecanico, a variety that prefers drier weather. For this reason, the grapes are fully intact thanks to a climate free of moisture.
  • Menfi e Sambuca
    Beautiful white wines, produced by a cool and bright July and August. A richer Chardonnay without more alcohol. A super-aromatic Fiano and average Grecanico. The reds, Merlot and Cabernet, benefitted from a cooler harvest with a thick dense tannin structure, thanks to extended ripening. Syrah prefers a dry September and is rather less than excellent. Nero d’Avola is fresh and fruity as rarely before.
  • A great vintage for two perfectly combined reasons: a rainier spring than the average for the past ten years, especially in June, and therefore vines that face the summer stress-free, and a rain-free period of ripening of the grapes with July, August and September completely dry. To say the least, these are the ideal temperatures and quantity of light, with July cooler since 2004; on the contrary, the brightest September (since 2007) and, to best complete the ripening of the reds, the absolute hottest of the series analyzed. The perfect vintage!
  • A year which enhanced the indigenous varieties, particularly Grecanico, very aromatic, and a glorious Nero d’Avola with fruit, density and compact tannins as never before. Fiano is good, Chardonnay more consistent. Merlot and Syrah at their peak, thanks to the weather. The Cabernet is perhaps slightly rigid.
  • At Menfi in the south-west had little rainfall and temperatures slightly colder than 2015, followed by a beautiful spring with rain in March and showers generally, which prepared the vines well. The cooler summer with average temperatures between June and September being well below those of 2015 contributed to a fine harvest. The result has been aromatic and balanced white wines with Chardonnay, Grecanico and Grillo peaking in quality, and the big French reds with particularly dense and ample tannins thanks to long slow ripening. Nero d’Avola in particular, thanks also to the lower production, is very aromatic and colourful.
05

Time of Harvest

4

september

07

Vinification

After destalking, soft pressing and static sedimentation at a low temperature, fermentation in barrique at 18⁰C, maturation of 11 months with bâtonnage carried out every 10 days

chardonnay
chardonnay_taglio

Alcohol Content

14%vol.

07

Aging Capacity

8-10 years

Tasting Notes
  • Eyes Eyes
  • Nose Nose
  • Mouth Mouth
Single-variety Chardonnay whose characteristics which have made it so famous which here emerge very clearly. Starting from the richness of its deep clear golden but transparent colour one imagines the pleasing contrast of creaminess and crispness in the taste.
It is indeed a soft white wine underlaid by a refreshing acid vein which accompanies each mouthful.
A slight mineral suggestion combines harmoniously with the flavour of ripe yellow peaches, acacia honey and marzipan and with some peaty, cereal and toasted aromas which precede the powerful balanced finish.
08
Pairings
For a change, try it with some just seared foie gras or with roast veal and mushroom sauce.
Kitchen
With Casa Planeta’s Kitchen
ruota-di-spatola

Wheel of scabbard fish with herbs

INGREDIENTS Serves 4

4 scabbard fish fillets

(200 g / 7 oz. each)

500 g / 1 lb. oz.

breadcrumbs

50 g / 1 3/4 oz. parsley

20 g / 3/4 oz. mint leaves

20 g / 3/4 oz. thyme

20 g / 3/4 oz. marjoram

20 g / 3/4 oz. fresh

oregano

lemon zest

400 ml / 13 1/2 fl. oz.

extra-virgin olive oil

salt to taste

pepper to taste

 

DIFFICULTY 3/5 | PREPARATION TIME 40 minutes

To make the coating, combine the minced aromatic herbs, breadcrumbs, lemon zest, salt and pepper.

Marinate the scabbard fish in a generous amount of extra-virgin olive oil. Coat the fillets with the bread crumb mixture and roll

them loosely. In a well-greased baking dish, arrange them snugly in a wheel shape. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes.

X

menfi

Planeta Sito dell'Ulmo Merlot Menfi Doc sa
Sito dell’Ulmo Merlot
Sicilia D.O.C.
100% Merlot
chardonnay
Chardonnay
Sicilia Menfi D.O.C.
100% Chardonnay
cometa
Cometa
Sicilia Menfi D.O.C.
100% Fiano
Burdese-menfi-doc-SA
Burdese
Sicilia DOC
70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc
Planeta-Maroccoli-sa
Maroccoli
Sicilia Menfi D.O.C.
100% Syrah
Plumbago
Plumbago
Menfi D.O.C.
100% Nero d’Avola
Alastro-senza-annata
Alastro
Menfi D.O.C.
85% Grecanico, 15% Sauvignon Blanc
Terebinto-menfi-doc
Terebinto
Menfi D.O.C.
100% Grillo
La_segreta_bianco
La Segreta Bianco
Sicilia D.O.C.
40% Grecanico, 20% Chardonnay, 20% Grillo, 20% other varieties
La_segreta_rosso
La Segreta Rosso
Sicilia D.O.C.
50% Nero d’Avola 25% Merlot 20% Syrah 5% Cabernet Franc
Rosè 2016_sa
Rosé
Sicilia D.O.C.
50% Nero d’Avola 50% Syrah
lamistanza
L’Amistanza
Sicilia D.O.C.
50% Fiano, 50% Grecanico

vittoria

Frappato
Frappato
Vittoria D.O.C.
100% Frappato
Dorilli
Dorilli
Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico D.O.C.G.
70% Nero d’Avola 30% Frappato
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Cerasuolo di Vittoria
Cerasuolo di Vittoria D.O.C.G.
60% Nero d’Avola 40% Frappato

noto

Planeta Santa Cecilia
Santa Cecilia
Noto D.O.C.
100% Nero d’Avola
allemanda
Allemanda
Sicilia Noto D.O.C.
100% Moscato Bianco
Planeta_Passito di Noto sa
Passito di Noto
Sicilia Noto D.O.C.
100% Moscato Bianco
Controdanza
Controdanza
Noto D.O.C.
85% Nero d’Avola, 15% Merlot

etna

Eruzione-1614-Nerello-Mascalese
Eruzione 1614 Nerello Mascalese
Sicilia D.O.C.
100% Nerello Mascalese
Eruzione-1614-Pinot-Nero-sa
Eruzione 1614 Pinot Nero
Terre Siciliane I.G.T.
100% Pinot Nero
Planeta-Brut-Metodo-Classico
Brut Metodo Classico
Sicilia D.O.C.
100% Carricante
Planeta Eruzione_ Riesling
Eruzione 1614 Riesling
Terre Siciliane I.G.T.
100% Riesling Renano
Eruzione-1614-Carricante
Eruzione 1614 Carricante
Sicilia D.O.C.
100% Carricante
Planeta Etna Bianco Doc
Etna Bianco Contrada Taccione
Etna D.O.C.
100% Carricante
Planeta Etna Rosso Doc
Etna Rosso
Etna D.O.C.
100% Nerello Mascalese

capo-milazzo

Planeta - Mamertino 2015 sa
Mamertino
Mamertino D.O.C.
60% Nero d’Avola, 40% Nocera
Nocera
Nocera
Sicilia D.O.C.
100% Nocera

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