The 2013 Sicilia La Segreta Bianco is a food-friendly blend of 50% Grecanico, 30% Chardonnay, 10% Fiano and 10% Viognier. This is the quintessential Sicilian seafood white to wash down with fried calamari or steamed mussels. Bright peach, melon and pear rise from the glass. Drink 2014-2015.
Diego Planeta, along with Giacomo Rallo of Donnfugata and Lucio Tasca d’Almerita, is one of the three founding fathers of the “Sicilian wine renaissance” sparked 10 to 15 years ago. Cousins Francesca, Santi and Alessio Planeta hold the reigns to the estate today and have developed one of the most innovative and modern wine entities in Italy (they are among the most “l(fā)iked” wineries on Facebook). The Planeta family boasts a gifted hand in marketing and their hard work has only helped to develop the “Sicily” brand within the many foreign markets they penetrate. Enormous credit goes to them. Although Planeta’s wines are always impressive, I was less enthused by this set of new releases. The entry-level products represent excellent value, but the top tier wines (including a wine I love very much, Santa Cecilia) are not at their peak performance.
Importer: Palm Bay, www.palmbay.com