Planeta Frappato Vittoria 2018 (Sicily) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a lovely red wine made with the rare Frappato varietal from Sicily that arrived at the LCBO recently as part of the April 3, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

With a heritage of seventeen generations, Planeta is one of Sicily's historic wine producers. The family has been involved with the course of agricultural evolution over five centuries in the complex land of Sicily, with an approach always inclined to openness and innovation. During the 1900's, Grandfather Vito led the path towards new solutions and new prospects. In Menfi, he transformed the small family winery into a large co-operative winery in a short period of time.

In 1985, they planted their first vines next to the fortress of Ulmo, eventually growing to 50 hectares of vines and created a wine in 1995 that opened doors to the whole world. This success led to further research of the indigenous varieties of Sicily. They travelled across the island, from Menfi to Vittoria to Noto to Etna, and finally to Capo Milazzowith with the idea of producing each wine in its own territory. In 1997, they planted their first vines at Vittoria, where this red wine is from. Today, two generations of the family - including brothers and sisters, children, nieces and nephews - work together with a vision of unity, a love for the land, and a desire to protect it by using a sustainable, long-term viticultural approach to winemaking.

Frappato is a red wine grape that is genetically close to Sangiovese and ten other Italian red wine varieties, suggesting that it is a cross between Sangiovese and another varietal. It is more commonly used in blends, can be found on its own as well. Frappato is primarily grown in Sicily, with the best expressions coming from the red sands of Vittoria (where this wine is from) in southern Sicily, not far from the sea.

The first vintage of this Frappato was 2013, and it hails from Planeta's Dorilli winery in Vittoria. This Frappato was cultivated from only a few hectares of their Mogli vineyard in the commune of Acate, within the province of Ragusa, that mainly consists of loose red sand with no stones, and a layer of tufa below that is important for the water balance of the vines. Being close to the sea, the vineyard is only 70 metres above sea level. Let's see how the lighter bodied Frappato is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

PLANETA FRAPPATO VITTORIA 2018 - DOC, Sicily, Italy (#508655) (XD) - $24.95
100% Frappato that was raised entirely in stainless steel vats has a pretty, pale ruby colour. The medium-high intensity nose offers lovely red cherry and strawberry aromas alongside gentle spice, floral, and smoky notes. It is light-to-medium bodied on the palate with impressive concentration and structure. More red cherry, strawberry and white pepper spice with savoury undertones on the flavour profile. It has fresh acidity and light tannins that have a pleasant textural grip. Smoky and red berry notes linger on the long, chalky, and very satisfying finish. Must try! Score: 91 pts

Other lovely wines from Planeta can be found at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.