Planeta La Segreta Nero d'Avola 2024

Planeta - La Segreta Nero d'Avola comes from the Dispensa vineyards, in Menfi, on the south-west coast of Sicily. Planted at around 70 metres above sea level on clay-limestone soils, the vines enjoy the island's generous sunshine and the cooling influence of the sea. Nero d'Avola, Sicily's emblematic red grape variety, finds a balance there between sun-drenched ripeness and fresh fruit.

Grown organically, the grapes are destemmed and crushed, then macerate for 12 days on their skins at 25 °C with daily pump-overs. After running off, the wine goes through malolactic fermentation and rests until the end of winter. Ageing takes place exclusively in stainless-steel tanks, to preserve the brightness of the fruit and the juicy character of the grape.

This wine reveals notes of ripe plum, black cherry, blackberry, wild berries, cocoa, coffee, pepper and sweet spices. Ripe black fruit opens the bouquet, lifted by roasted nuances and a well-judged touch of spice. The palate is full and juicy, carried by supple tannins, an indulgent texture and a balanced, slightly spicy finish.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!