SAMPLING SICILIAN SPIRIT
The wine industry has long been considered a male-dominated industry, and little has been mentioned about women who have been working in the vineyards for centuries now. With the given rise in wine consumption across the globe today, there is an increasing number of women at the forefront of the winemaking scene today.
In my travels to Italy earlier this year, I had the opportunity to meet Patricia Tóth, one of many talented women winemakers. Patricia currently works as a winemaker for the multiaward-winning Planeta winery in Sicily. Aside from being involved in winemaking, Patricia also collaborates with the Marsala Institute in Sicily to restore native varietals that have been abandoned centuries ago.
Historical records indicate that Sicily has been producing wine for thousands of years; however, little has been mentioned about the mediocre Sicilian wines produced in the past. It’s only in recent years that a growing number of wineries and energetic winemakers like Patricia have started to focus on the production of quality wines showcasing the diverse terroir and indigenous varietals of the land, thus reviving Sicily’s namesake as a quality wine region.
The Planeta family’s origins have been related to Sambuca di Sicilia since the 1600s. Currently, Planeta owns five estates across Sicily and produces an array of award-winning wines that have put Sicily on the map. Planeta’s Cerasuolo di Vittoria is a labour of love for Patricia and the Planeta team, who have devoted much time and effort to refine Nero d’Avola and Frappato, the two native Sicilian grapes that make up the unique blend of Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG (Denominazione di origine controllata: ‘Controlled designation of origin’) wines. The name of the only DOCG in Sicily derives from Cerasa, which means ‘cherry’ in the Sicilian dialect.
The 2011 Planeta Cerasuolo di Vittoria I tasted this spring boasts a vibrant ruby colour. The aroma displays the typicity of Vittoria wines: violet, red fruits such as cherries, strawberries, pomegranate, and candy. The palate confirms the fruit on the nose, along with its refreshing acidity and soft tannins. Unlike many of its Sicilian counterparts that are masculine and full bodied, the Cerasualo di Vittoria is
PLANETA’S CERASUOLO DI VITTORIA IS A PERFECT GEM WAITING TO BE DISCOVERED BY THE ASIAN MARKET, ESPECIALLY SINCE IT COMPLEMENTS SPICY FOOD SO BEAUTIFULLY
softer with a light to medium body, with an elegance and finesse on the finish. The wine is meant to be drunk young or cellared for two to three years. On hot summer days, this wine is ideally served chilled.
Planeta’s Cerasuolo di Vittoria is a perfect gem simply waiting to be discovered by the Asian market, as the fresh acidity and fruit of the wine complements spicy food perfectly. Some food pairing suggestions for the versatile Cerasuolo di Vittoria include grilled vegetables, spicy lamb kebabs or even Chinese dim sums.
For those looking for an alternative wine experience that boasts a unique feminine touch, why not pick up a bottle of Cerasuolo di Vittoria on your next trip to the wine store?