At a glance

Producer

Planeta

Region

Sicily, Italy

Grape variety

Nero d’Avola, Frappato

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$28-$45 USD (retail, auction/secondary market)

Tasting profile

Aged red cherry and raspberry, dried rose petals, hints of balsamic and sweet spices, leather and earth notes. Silky tannins, mellow acidity.

Evolution: Loss of primary fruit, development of secondary/tertiary aromas (dried herbs, tobacco, forest floor).

At peak: At peak: vibrant red fruit, floral perfume, lively palate. Now: more subdued, complex, gently fading.

Structure

Acidity

Medium to medium-high, still providing freshness

Tannins

Fine, moderate and integrated with age

Alcohol

Medium (13%-13.5%)

Aging potential

Optimal life 8-10 years; beyond peak for most bottles

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2015 to 2018

Optimal window

2014 to 2021

Current status

Nearing the end of optimal maturity; best consumed sooner rather than later.

Current condition

Approaching maturity fade; tertiary flavors present; delicate red fruit and floral notes softened.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico wines show best at 4-8 years post-vintage. The 2011 is now past its best for most cellared bottles, with developed tertiary character overtaking fresh fruit.

Food pairing

Grilled lamb, mushroom risotto, roasted poultry, Sicilian caponata, aged pecorino.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has aged for 14 years, allowing the tannins to integrate well. Decanting will help to further open up the aromas and flavors, enhancing the drinking experience.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Planeta employs integrated pest management, biodiversity corridors, renewable energy in production, water-saving irrigation, lightweight bottles and recycled packaging materials.

Planeta is recognized for advanced sustainability initiatives in Sicily: active SOStain program member (regional sustainability), uses solar panels, vineyard cover crops, water-saving technologies and environmental monitoring. Packaging moves towards lighter bottles and recycled materials. Not certified organic for 2011, though minimal chemical use is demonstrated. Overall, Planeta shows strong leadership in sustainable viticulture for the region and vintage, though not the absolute highest tier due to lack of full organic certification at that time.