After Alessio Planeta's recent accolade as the 2023 Winemaker of the Year by Wine Enthusiast, Planeta is delighted to unveil the label restyling within their historic range, La Segreta. Alessio Planeta will personally share insights into this complex project, which entailed a meticulous study of the territory, during an upcoming event in London on June 11th. –  Please let your account manager know if you would like to attend.

Unveiling La Segreta

The La Segreta wines have always been grown in the vineyards owned for centuries by the Planeta family, each vineyard cultivated with passion and deep respect for its local environment. The original wine labels bore a depiction of a local 18th century map, to underscore the wines’ deep roots in the area’s ancient past. Today, they boast a contemporary and refined look, embodying a desire to convey a drive for absolute quality that is uninterrupted, concrete, recognisable, and uncompromising, totally bound to the family’s reverence for the environment and their local landscape. The artwork itself referred back to famed Sicilian naturalist Giuseppe Riggio, who, with the assistance of an artist, an illustrated herbarium consisting of poetic yet precise depictions of Sicilian flora.

Who is Alessio Planeta?

Alessio Planeta is the CEO at Planeta. After completing his studies in agricultural sciences, in the 1990s Alessio Planeta devoted himself to delving into the history of Sicily and its viticulture with the goal of carrying on the extraordinary work begun by his uncle Diego Planeta and opening the doors of international development to Sicilian wines.

In 1991 he assumed the role of managing director and technical manager of the Planeta Farms and in 1995 he brought the first labels to the market: the Chardonnay - a wine that was by then an identity wine and had won many awards - opened the doors of the world to the newly established family brand and to the non-native grape varieties of Sicily, beginning a diversification that is a hallmark of the group.

From 2000 to 2009 Alessio Planeta assumed the role of President of the Terre Sicane Wine Route and Vice-President of the Regional Association of Wine Routes, while since 2008 he has been a director and vice-president of the National Syndicate of Mosti, Table Wines, V.Q.P.R.D. non-special, of Federvini.

In June 2011 he was appointed board member of Assovini Sicilia and in April 2012 he was awarded the title of aggregate Academician of the Georgofili Academy. From 2017 to 2020, Alessio served as president of Assovini Sicilia and is currently a board member of the Consorzio Doc Sicilia

Today Alessio Planeta manages a production of more than 2.4 million bottles a year to which he has added the cultivation of olive, almond and chickpea trees according to an entrepreneurial philosophy oriented toward sustainability, based on a deep knowledge of cultivation techniques and the enhancement of biodiversity. Alongside he sustains various cultural activities and high-profile hospitality projects related to wine tourism, aimed at conveying the positive values that animate the winery and accompanying visitors to the complex Planeta world.

Planeta Identity

When the first rows were planted next to the fortress of Ulmo in 1985, Diego, Alessio, Santi and Francesca Planeta had a clear vision for the company's growth in their hearts and minds. With youthfulness intertwined with ancient roots, they adopted a farsighted approach, becoming almost guardians of the land and its traditions. The initial 50 hectares, situated in a place rich with history and significance, served as a canvas of shapes and colours.

Guided by Carlo Corino, Alessio Planeta meticulously defined the identity of their products, paving the way for the release of the inaugural labels in 1995, starting with Chardonnay. This wine proved to be a gateway, opening doors to the global stage, and allowing them to introduce wines that were previously unknown, gradually becoming an essential part of the plan.

Embarking on a journey through Sicily to research indigenous varieties, as documented in ancient books recounting tales of phantom wines once abundant on the island, they ventured from Menfi to Vittoria, Noto, Etna, and finally to Capo Milazzo. Their commitment to producing each wine in its native territory led them to listen to the stories of places and people, adapting and relating to each context in a unique manner.

Throughout their ventures, the ethics of production, environmental protection, and the preservation of each region's countryside and culture remained paramount. Employing sustainable long-term viticulture, they designed wineries seamlessly integrated into the landscape, producing wines that authentically represented each distinct territory. This commitment extended universally across all their locations.

Motivated by a spontaneous desire to pursue beauty, Planeta Winery continuously sought novel ways to bear witness to it. This pursuit transcended beyond wines and olive oils, manifesting in projects dedicated to hospitality, art, and social responsibility, representing ongoing investments in these pursuits.

Cult Wines

Chardonnay - A wine which has become the illustration of changes in Sicilian wine. It was created from a wish to compete in the world production of this noble and widespread vine. The vines of Ulmo and Maroccoli, from which it is made, are unique for position and terroir. Fermentation and aging in French wood, with precision and care, present us with a wine unique for its grace and power.

Cometa – The exploration of Fiano, an ancient vine from Campania, led to the creation of Cometa— Cometa stands as a shining example of a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, a true masterpiece in the world of white wines.

Santa Cecilia - Top-of-the-range from the most important Sicilian variety; Nero d’Avola. The extensive research into finding the ideal place for making a great wine from this variety brought to Noto, original territory of this variety, where DOC Noto reigns in the extreme south-east of Sicily. With its white lands and its antique vines, it has always been the epicentre of Nero d’Avola cultivation. Santa Cecilia is an expression of elegance, power, balance, and exaltation of the unique Sicilian aromas.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria - produced from the countryside around Dorilli, between the sea and the Iblean mountains. A wine in the wake of an ancient tradition, but with a youthful manner like no other Sicilian red wine.

Eruzione 1614 Carricante; Eruzione 1614 Nerello Mascalese - The history of Etna is marked by the historic eruptions which have shaped it. That of 1614 is legendary, it lasted 10 years, the longest ever recorded, which halted just on the border of the Sciaranuova vineyard. The name is strongly evocative for our Cru of Etna and from this vintage 100% Carricante. Black soils at a certain height confer a fresh, fruity, and mineral style.

Nocera - This noble vine is cultivated on just a few hectares in the province of Messina, facing the sea and of historic importance. La Baronia on Capo Milazzo is a spectacular vineyard surrounded by the sea, by ancient olive trees and with views to the Aeolian islands. A marine red wine, with aromas of Mediterranean macchia, myrtle and garrigue.