Sicilia Menfi DOC Chardonnay On Fire Limited Edition 2024 Planeta

What kind of wine is it

Chardonnay On Fire by Planeta is a Limited Edition wine with a medium-full body from Chardonnay grapes. It shows a fine and balanced aromatic profile, with ripe fruit and integrated freshness. Fermentation takes place in barrique at controlled temperature, followed by about twelve months' aging in French oak barrels. This process gives it body, complexity, and a pleasant creaminess, while the lively acidity remains clear, supporting drinkability and evolution.

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, fosters even ripening. Alluvial and sandy soils with limestone and clay components provide structure and freshness. Altitudes between 100 and 150 meters ensure noticeable day-night temperature swings which enhance elegance and aromatics.

How it's made

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

Tasting notes

In the glass, it shines a bright golden yellow with green highlights. The bouquet is intense and multi-layered, with hints of apricot, peach, Golden apple and figs, plus notes of honey and pistachio. The palate offers a rich and creamy texture, lifted by vibrant acidity for a smooth mouthfeel. The finish is long-lasting, with echoes of sweet citrus and gentle vanilla nuances balancing fruit and wood.

Food pairings

This Chardonnay from Planeta pairs well with fish dishes and shellfish, and is the perfect match for shrimp carpaccio and linguine with clams. It also suits white meats with light sauces and traditional Sicilian fish soups, such as Sciacca fish soup. Excellent with pasta with sardines and seafood risotto, where the wine’s aromatic complexity harmonizes with a range of marine 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 consumption window is between the second and fourth year; serve at a temperature between 10 and 12 °C to best appreciate its richness and balance.