Fiano
75cl * Vegan * 13% ABV * Menfi D.O.C, Sicily, Italy
The family-owned Italian wine estate of Planeta operates with the objective of making the most of the diverse terroirs of Italy. Their wines represent the true character of the grapes and the passion of the winemakers who are involved in the process. Planeta grows grapes in Menfi, Vittoria, Noto (who fans of The White Lotus will recognise), Etna and Capo Milazzo.
The roots for the Planeta wines were planted in the Menfi territory, a small agricultural area on southwest coast of Sicily. The family has been cultivating vines here for over 17 generations. The vineyards are located at an altitude of around 400 metres and the Planeta family cultivates over 250 hectares here, on soil that is rich in pebbles, limestone and chalk, making it ideal for indigenous grape varietals.
A single-variety Fiano, this wine blends elegant and rich aroma lychees, white peach, and Mediterranean herbs with richness and minerality. Fiano produces wines that can age in the bottle and this Cometa is no exception and will age for up to 15 years. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks, where it is kept on its lees for five months before a light fining and bottling, which gives it that richness and body. Delicate aromas of chamomile, hay and mango and pomelo can be detected on the nose, followed by a mineral palate with vibrantly savoury traces. The finish presents a silky tactile sensation with a refined aftertaste of ripe apricot, of almond flowers and basil flowers.
An excellent partner for full flavoured starters, fresh goats cheese (especially Sicilian!) or rich seafood. In Sicilian cuisine it is paired with oranges, fennel and anchovy salad, stuffed sardines, spaghetti with seafood, lobster or pasta with Trepan 'pesto'. There's a wonderful recipe for baked, stuffed sardines on the winery's website here.
From the Planeta discovery tasting at Decanter's London Fine Wine Encounter in November 2022, James Button says "Since its first vintage in 2000, Cometa has carved its own path as a 100% Fiano partially barrel fermented and oak-aged. From chalky vineyards in Menfi, this is really floral and deliciously honeyed in aroma, with delicately lacy acidity and a saline freshness giving impetus in the mouth. Juicy stone fruits, white flowers, honeydew melon and white grapefruit mingle, while limestoney tightness draws everything together and leads to a fresh, saline and zesty finish. It’s easy to see why this was one of Sicily’s first superstars."
Drinking Window 2022 - 2030