Syrah 'Maroccoli' Planeta 2019

Sicilian winery Planeta's Syrah "Maroccoli" is a sunny, Mediterranean version of this extraordinary red grape variety native to the Rhone Valley region of France. A grape that loves a sunny and breezy climate, it could only acclimatize well in Sicilian soil, where it has been present for such a long time that it is now considered almost indigenous. Ageing in wood allows the wine to smooth out its youthful tannic roughness and express a harmonious, rich and enveloping bouquet, ranging from small berries to the characteristic spicy and black pepper notes that are its true hallmark.

"Maroccoli" Syrah is one of the labels in the wide range of one of Sicily's largest and most important wineries. Planeta was founded in 1995, but it bases its foundations on a family history linked to the world of viticulture that dates back as far as the 16th century. Thanks to an entrepreneurial vision geared toward producing quality wines, in just a few decades, Planeta has been able to carve out a prominent role for itself in the Sicilian wine scene. It has been among the major players in Sicily's oenology renaissance, renewing the island's image and leading it toward a goal of excellence. Today it manages several estates in various territories of the island so that each variety can be grown in the most suitable place: Sambuca di Sicilia and Menfi (Agrigento), Vittoria (Ragusa), Noto (Siracusa), Castiglione di Sicilia (Catania) and Capo Milazzo (Messina). The wines result from a philosophy linked to the enhancement of grape varieties and territory, with the desire to bring the authentic flavour of the Sicilian land to each bottle.

Planeta's "Maroccoli" is an intense, warm red representing the typical face of the grape variety and the particular character of the Agrigento area. The grapes come from two historic vineyards of particular value in Menfi's hinterland, Maraccoli and Ulmo, cultivated at an altitude of about 400 meters on soils mainly composed of clay, limestone and silt. Fermentation takes place in steel tanks at a temperature of 25 °C, with maceration on the skins for a couple of weeks. Before bottling, the wine matures for 12-14 months in French oak barrels. It shows a dark ruby red color. The bouquet is rich, with aromas of black currant, blueberry, dark berry fruit, hints of soft oriental spices, bitter cocoa, coffee and nuances of herbs. The sip is dense and enveloping, with ripe, juicy fruit, lovely notes of tertiary evolution and a balanced, harmonious finish, closing on a note of black pepper. An interpretation of Syrah of great depth, highlighting the perfect marriage between the grape variety and the sunny lands of Menfi.