Sicilia Menfi DOC Chardonnay On Fire 2024 Planeta

What kind of wine it is

The Chardonnay On Fire by Planeta is a medium- to full-bodied white wine made from Chardonnay grapes. It features a refined and balanced aromatic profile, with ripe fruit and well-integrated freshness. Fermentation takes place in barriques at a controlled temperature, followed by approximately twelve months of aging in French oak barrels. This process gives the wine body, complexity, and a pleasant creaminess, while the vibrant acidity remains clear, enhancing drinkability and development over time.

Where it comes from

The grapes come from the Ulmo and Maroccoli vineyards in the Sambuca di Sicilia area, in the province of Agrigento. The Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers tempered by the sea allows for even ripening. Alluvial and sandy soils with calcareous and clay elements endow the wine with structure and freshness. Altitudes between 100 and 150 meters ensure marked temperature swings between day and night, boosting elegance and aromatic expression.

How it is produced

Harvesting is done by hand between the second and third weeks of September, with careful selection of the bunches. After destemming and gentle pressing, the must is cooled and transferred to French oak barriques for fermentation at controlled temperature. Malolactic fermentation and about twelve months’ aging in second-use barrels, with regular bâtonnage, further enhance the wine’s structure and complexity; the wine is then lightly filtered before bottling.

Tasting notes

In the glass, it shows a bright golden yellow color with greenish reflections. The bouquet is intense and complex, with hints of apricot, peach, Golden apple, and figs, plus notes of honey and pistachios. On the palate, it offers a rich and creamy texture supported by lively acidity, giving it great drinkability. The finish is persistent, with echoes of sweet citrus and delicate vanilla, balanced between fruit and wood.

Food pairings

This Chardonnay from Planeta pairs with fish dishes and shellfish, enhancing shrimp carpaccio and linguine with clams. It also complements white meats with light sauces and Sicilian-style fish soups, such as the traditional one from Sciacca. Excellent with pasta with sardines and with a seafood risotto, where the aromatic complexity finds harmony with the various layers of sea flavors.

When to serve it

This wine can be enjoyed young or after a few years in the bottle. Thanks to barrel aging and good acidity, it retains freshness and aromatic intensity for up to three or four years. The ideal drinking window is between the second and fourth year; serve at a temperature between 10 and 12°C to best appreciate its richness and balance.