2023 Planeta Sicilia Chardonnay, Sicily

Almost Burgundian style to this wine, due to reductive character, with smoky aromas, pink grapefruit and candied cedar. Mellow, full-bodied and opulent with a creamy texture, refreshing acidity and a polished finish. From organically grown grapes. Sustainable. Drink now.

94 points jamessuckling.com

The organic Planeta 2023 Sicilia Menfi Chardonnay is a creamy and rich interpretation with sweet almond, apricot and Sicilian candied fruit. The wine delivers beautiful intensity over a thickly layered, full-bodied mouthfeel. Fruit comes from the Ulmo vineyard (positioned at 250 meters above sea level) and Maroccoli (at 415 meters in elevation). The wine is aged in Allier French barrique with 40% new oak, 30% second-use and 30% third-use barrel for 11 months. This is a massive production of close to a quarter of a million bottles, and that's an impressive feat.

94 points robertparker.com

Planeta Sicilia Chardonnay from Sicily is a rich, sun soaked and beautifully polished expression of the grape from one of Italy’s most admired modern estates. When Planeta first planted Chardonnay at Ulmo in the mid-nineties, many dismissed the idea entirely. But the high altitude vineyards in Menfi and Sambuca di Sicilia, swept by coastal breezes and rooted in ancient limestone and chalky yellow sands, proved perfect for delivering both ripeness and freshness. In many ways, this wine helped rewrite Sicily’s international reputation, showing the world that the island could produce truly world class Chardonnay.

The vineyards sit inland by Lake Arancio, where cool air drifts across during the night, protecting acidity and helping the fruit ripen steadily. Long, luminous days give the wine its signature golden orchard fruit richness, while the mineral soils bring shape and length.

The grapes are hand harvested and gently pressed. Fermentation takes place in French oak, with a measured balance of new and seasoned barrels. Lees ageing adds creamy layers and quiet savoury depth, never overwhelming the brightness of fruit. Planeta’s aim is refinement rather than weight, a Mediterranean Chardonnay with poise and generosity in equal measure.

The bouquet is expressive and layered. Ripe peach, golden apple and Meyer lemon mingle with honeydew melon, white fig and a hint of pineapple. Beneath the fruit lie notes of almond skin, vanilla bean, sea breeze and warm pastry. With air, deeper tones of hazelnut, baking spice and crushed stone reveal themselves.

On the palate, the wine sweeps forward with smooth, sun drenched generosity. Creamy stone fruits unfold over delicate oak spice and a silken lees driven texture. Flavours of peach, lemon curd, pear and baked apple glide across the palate, balanced by refreshing acidity that keeps everything lifted. The finish is long, gently savoury and quietly luxurious, with lingering citrus, nuts and saline minerality. It drinks beautifully now but will evolve for five to seven years, gaining honeyed depth.

It pairs superbly with lobster ravioli, grilled swordfish, prawn risotto, roasted chicken, burrata with peaches, creamy pasta, saffron dishes, soft cheeses or simply shared at leisure by the sea.