A great entry-level choice, the 2012 Sicilia La Segreta Rosso is a un-oaked blend of Nero d’Avola (50%), Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc. It delivers a simple lineup of red cherry, almond and green olive aromas. It feels appropriately tonic and bright in the mouth and would pair with easy pasta dishes with meat ragu. 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

The estate’s 2008 La Segreta Rosso offers up bold fruit, spices and sweet herbs in a big, rustic style. This hearty, tasty red is best enjoyed at the dinner table. La Segreta Rosso is 50% Nero d’Avola, 25% Merlot, 20% Syrah and 5% Cabernet Franc, and is aged in steel. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2011. Importer: Palm Bay International, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 362-9642

The 2007 La Segreta Rosso is 50% Nero d’Avola, 25% Merlot, 20% Syrah and 5% Cabernet Franc. Medium in body, this fresh, vinous red reveals nice plumpness and length in a generous, soft style. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2010. Importer: Palm Bay International, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 362-9642

The 2002 La Segreta Rosso, Nero d’Avola with Merlot and Syrah, a bright ruby in color, offers raspberry and red currant fruit, a slight herbaceousness, and a refreshing, light to medium-weight profile. It is a wine for early drinking. After a fine group of results in the 1999 and 2000 vintages, I was a bit less happy with these 2001’s. A certain tartness was present in many of the wines, and while acidification is anything but scandalous in an area this far south, the rather obvious presence of acidity is an indication that the wines themselves are less concentrated and consequently less balanced. The house is apparently aiming at an overall production of close to three million bottles, and I am far from convinced that this is such a good idea. Is the glass half full or half empty here? It depends on one’s point of view, but I am convinced that the resources for better wines than these exist. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200

From one of Sicily's most fashionable wineries, Planeta's inexpensive, internationally-styled 2000 Rosso La Segreta (a blend of 45% Nero d'Avola, 45% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon) offers sweet black cherry, mocha, and spice characteristics. Fat, fleshy, pure, and chewy, with 14% alcohol providing plenty of glycerin and texture, it will provide pleasure for 2-3 years. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200