Menfi Chardonnay DOC (2023) - Planeta

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It was the first great prestige white wine in Sicily made from Chardonnay. Launched by Planeta in the 80s, it helped revolutionise the image of Sicilian wines internationally, becoming an icon of the "new world" style in a Mediterranean key.

Menfi Chardonnay DOC (2023) - Planeta

Menfi Chardonnay DOC (2023) - Planeta

Type: Vino Bianco

Area: Italy, Sicily, Menfi

Appellation: Sicilia Menfi DOC

Grape variety: Chardonnay

Vintage: 2023

Winery: Planeta

Alcohol: 14%

The appellation: Sicilia Menfi DOC

Sicilia Menfi DOC is one of the most representative appellations of Sicilian viticulture, established in 1995. It lies in the south-western part of the island, in the province of Agrigento, around the municipality of Menfi, an area historically suited to growing vines.

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Who makes it: Planeta

The Planeta family has been present in agricultural Sicily for over five centuries, but the modern wine project was born in the 1990s.In 1995 the first winery was built at Ulmo, near Lake Arancio (Menfi), giving concrete shape to the vision of a Sicilian viticulture rooted in place.Today Planeta operates seven wineries spread across five different areas of the island, each with its own viticultural identity.

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The vine of Menfi Chardonnay DOC

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is one of the most widely planted and prestigious white grape varieties in the world, originally from Burgundy, in France. Thanks to its great adaptability to different climates and soils, Chardonnay is grown in many wine regions, expressing unique characteristics according to the terroir and the winemaking style.

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Menfi Chardonnay DOC: the area

Menfi

Menfi

Menfi is one of the most important wine areas of western Sicily, located in the province of Agrigento, along the south-western coast of the island.The territory, which extends from the inland hills down to the Mediterranean Sea, is characterised by a microclimate ideal for viticulture: hot, breezy summers, mild winters and a wide temperature swing between day and night.

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Climate: Mediterranean

Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)

Soil: Limestone / chalk

Geographical setting: Sea

Profile of Menfi Chardonnay DOC

Primary aromas: Citrus, Pineapple, Apple, Peach

Secondary aromas: Butter, Honey, Hazelnut, Vanilla

Tertiary aromas: Caramel, Custard

Tasting notes: A white full of personality, on the nose it expresses an intense bouquet of exotic fruit, white peach and notes of wild flowers. On the palate it proves complex and structured, with a harmonious balance between acidity and softness. It closes with a lingering, elegant finish, marked by slight hints of toasted almond and minerality. A perfect pairing with fish dishes and fresh cheeses.

Sulphites yes
Body Full-bodied
Acidity Medium
Tannin Absent
Sweetness Dry
Finish Medium / Long
Colour Golden yellow
Clarity Crystal-clear, Bright

Winemaking methods used for Menfi Chardonnay DOC

Hand harvesting

Hand harvesting is a traditional, painstaking approach to picking, where bunches are selected and cut by hand straight from the vine. Compared with machine harvesting it allows far closer attention to quality, since only the best bunches are chosen and the fruit is not damaged.

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Malolactic fermentation

Malolactic fermentation is a fundamental process in winemaking, particularly used for quality white, red and sparkling wines. This method plays a key role in determining the flavour and aromatic profile of many wines, helping to make them softer, more complex and suited to long ageing.

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Temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel

Temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel is a technique that makes it possible to produce fresh, fruity, clean wines, preserving the varietal aromas of the grapes at their best.

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Ageing methods used for Menfi Chardonnay DOC

In barrique (7–18 months)

Ageing in barrique for 7 to 18 months is one of the most common stages for medium- and full-bodied wines, where the wood has time to interact with the wine in depth without dominating it. This length gives balanced wines, with greater aromatic complexity, polished tannins and a more refined evolutionary profile, keeping varietal and tertiary notes in balance.

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Time on the lees for Menfi Chardonnay DOC

  • Medium (7–18 months)