Planeta Didacus Rosso Sicilia Menfi 2016 is an exclusive, limited production Sicilian red wine made exclusively from Cabernet Franc grapes. This is the first vintage of Didacus Rosso, originating from a single vineyard in the Piano del Sommacco area of Sambuca di Sicilia. The vineyard grows at an altitude of approximately 450 m, on clay, loam and sandy soils.
In the glass, the wine has a rich, deep ruby colour. The aroma opens gradually: blackcurrants, cherries, plums and blackberries are noticeable, later nuances of violets, rosemary, sage, white pepper, cedar, graphite and dark chocolate emerge. Notes of spices and cocoa provided by the oak subtly complement the fruitiness.
The wine is concentrated, elegant, precise and lively. Dense, very fine and polished tannins provide a solid structure, while fresh acidity maintains balance. The aftertaste is long, dry and complex, with hints of dark berries, licorice, chocolate, herbs. The wine is aged for about 20 months in French oak barrels.
It is recommended to serve at 16–18 °C. It goes best with roasted or braised beef, lamb, veal, game, duck, grilled vegetables and mature hard cheeses.
A straightforward cabernet franc here. Brambleberries with tobacco-leaf, licorice and spice notes. It’s medium-bodied with nice acidity and fine, integrated tannins. Some bitter cacao on the finish. Drink or hold.
This is the inaugural vintage of a new wine, Didacus Rosso made with Cabernet Franc, that partners up perfectly to the white version of Didacus, which showcases Chardonnay. The Planeta 2016 Sicilia Menfi Cabernet Franc Didacus works a little harder to win you over compared to its white wine sibling that proves to be an effortless, love-at-first-sight proposition. From a classic vintage and a long growing season, this Cabernet Franc is slow to open and reveals a long range of aromas to coincide with various intervals one hour after the bottle is open, six hours later and even two days later. Give it time. Didacus reveals textbook varietal purity with dark fruit, bramble, white pepper, crushed stone and rosemary essence. There is little sweetness to the fruit, and the wine's personality embraces a more tonic or focused style with inner tension and verve. It focuses on length, not textural width. Compared to the Chardonnay, which is full-on Mediterranean with a kaleidoscope of bold fruit intensity, this wine is more reserved and timid. It adopts the silent, noble and insular side of the Sicilian persona and is a wine that succinctly relays its intention and uses few words to do so.
"Aziende Agricole Planeta s.s." is a family-owned Sicilian winery that has become a key driver of the island's wine culture. Their activity includes not only wine production, but also the transformation of the island's viticultural landscape, combining old traditions with an innovative approach. Planeta's journey began with a deep respect for Sicily's diverse terroirs, which led them to establish vineyards in different parts of the island: from the sun-drenched plains of Menfi to the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna and the historic region of Noto. This geographical diversity has allowed them to start growing both local and international grape varieties, creating a wide and deep assortment of Sicilian wines.
Planeta's commitment to quality is evident in every stage of production. They carefully combine traditional winemaking methods with state-of-the-art technologies. By prioritizing sustainable practices, their dedication allows them to create wines of exceptional character and complexity that have won international acclaim.
Planeta has made a significant impact on Sicily not only by producing excellent wines. They have played an important role in revitalizing the island's wine industry, encouraging other producers to strive for higher quality and innovation. Their investments in viticulture and enotourism have significantly contributed to the region's economic growth and cultural identity. Looking to the future, Planeta continues to explore new areas of winemaking, while remaining true to its roots. They aim to further enhance sustainability, popularize local varieties, and showcase the unique potential of Sicilian wine to the world.
Wine Style
Planeta wines are characterized by a distinctive terroir, naturalness, and elegance. These are wines dominated by fruitiness, minerality, and subtle aromas.
Prestigious Vineyards
The Planeta winery owns prestigious vineyards located in different Sicilian terroirs:
These prestigious vineyards are complemented by other plots where local grape varieties are grown.
Aging and Consumption Period
Planeta wines are made to preserve natural fruitiness and freshness. Most wines are drunk young, but some red wines have the potential to age for several years. The wines are aged in both oak barrels and stainless steel tanks, depending on the wine style.
