2021 Planeta Sicilia Santa Cecilia Rosso, Sicily

The 2021 Santa Cecilia opens with a mentholated freshness, dusty and floral, with a whiff of dried violets, black raspberries and sage. It washes across the palate, silky and serene, with cool-toned red and black fruits motivated by hints of sour citrus. A bump of zesty acidity keeps the mouth watering as the 2021 tapers off with a tinge of edgy tannins and a pleasantly bitter crunch.

93 points Vinous

The Planeta family has been instrumental in transforming the reputation of Sicilian wine, championing the island's extraordinary diversity of landscapes and indigenous grape varieties. Their story began in the 1990s in Menfi, but the family's curiosity soon led them to establish vineyards across Sicily, each chosen for its distinctive character. Santa Cecilia comes from their Buonivini estate near Noto, in the island's southeastern corner, where Nero d'Avola has found one of its finest expressions. Named after a family ancestor, this is Planeta's flagship interpretation of Sicily's most celebrated red grape, combining Mediterranean warmth with impressive elegance and depth.

The vineyards lie in the Noto countryside, where limestone rich soils, abundant sunshine and cooling maritime breezes provide ideal conditions for Nero d'Avola. The variety thrives in this warm, dry environment, developing generous dark fruit while retaining the acidity and savoury character needed for balance. The 2021 vintage produced beautifully ripe fruit, allowing Planeta to create a wine of concentration and refinement without excessive weight. Careful fermentation and maturation in French oak contribute texture and complexity while preserving the grape's distinctive personality. There is a wonderful sense of place here, with the warmth of southern Sicily balanced by freshness and finely structured tannins.

Deep ruby red with purple and garnet reflections. Ripe black cherry, blackberry and dark plum mingle with violet, liquorice and a hint of orange peel. Notes of dried oregano, tobacco, dark chocolate and a little black olive develop with air. The palate is rich and beautifully composed, with succulent dark fruit, fine persistent tannins and lively acidity. There is an appealing savoury edge beneath the fruit, with dried herbs, earthy spice and a subtle mineral character carrying through a long, fragrant finish. Generous without being heavy, this is a wonderfully expressive Nero d'Avola with the structure to develop beautifully over time.

Eggplant Parmigiana, caponata with toasted pine nuts or pasta alla Norma would be excellent companions, celebrating the flavours of Sicily itself. Grilled tuna with tomatoes and olives, slow roasted lamb with rosemary or a rich mushroom ragù would also suit its generous character. Decant for an hour if opening young, allowing the fruit and savoury detail to unfold.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2036. Already appealing with aeration, with enough concentration, acidity and structure to reward another decade in the cellar.