What kind of wine is Sicilia Merlot DOC 'Sito dell’Ulmo' 2020 - Planeta?

The Sicilia Merlot DOC 'Sito dell’Ulmo' 2020 - Planeta is a red wine of great personality, the fruit of one of Sicily's most vocated territories for quality viticulture. It originates on the shores of Lake Arancio, in the heart of the Ulmo estate in Menfi (AG), where the terroir and microclimate offer ideal conditions for this international grape variety to express itself best.

It is a pure Merlot that combines elegance, body, and depth, signed by the Planeta family, pioneers in enhancing the authenticity of grape varieties through the unique character of Sicilian lands. The Sicilia DOC designation certifies the quality and controlled origin of this red with a harmonious and enveloping profile, capable of surprising even the most curious palates.

Vintage Details

The 2020 vintage of 'Sito dell’Ulmo' was characterized by a balanced climate, with warm but breezy summers and a perfect diurnal temperature range. These conditions favored complete grape ripening, ensuring an excellent balance between sugars, acidity, and aromatic components. The result is a soft and intense Merlot, with silky tannins and a freshness that makes drinking pleasantly dynamic.

Winemaking and Aging

The hand-picked grapes are followed by fermentation in stainless steel at a controlled temperature to preserve aromas and fragrances. After malolactic fermentation, the wine ages for approximately 14 months in French oak barriques, some new and some second-passage. This long period in wood gives the wine softness, structure, and aromatic complexity, perfectly preparing it for bottling and further aging in the bottle.

Tasting Notes

The Sicilia Merlot DOC 'Sito dell’Ulmo' 2020 - Planeta captivates from the first glance and then reveals itself on the nose and palate with a rich and coherent evolution. It is a wine that combines charm and power with the typical elegance of Sicilian Merlot.

Color

In the glass, it presents a deep ruby red with violet reflections. Its brilliance and density anticipate a notable concentration and a full body.

Nose

The nose reveals ample aromas of ripe cherry, plum, blackberry, and sweet spices like vanilla and cocoa, embellished with light herbaceous and balsamic notes. The ensemble is elegant and complex, with a perfectly integrated balance between fruit and toasted notes.

Palate

On the palate, it is soft and round, with polished tannins and a dense yet harmonious sip. The structure is significant, supported by good acidity that gives freshness and makes drinking pleasant. The finish is long, persistent, and has nuances of red fruit and bitter chocolate.

What to Pair Sicilia Merlot DOC 'Sito dell’Ulmo' 2020 - Planeta with

Thanks to its structure and softness, this Merlot pairs perfectly with savory and flavorful dishes. Here are some suggestions to best enhance its characteristics:

• Grilled or roasted red meats
• Game ragout and stews
• Aged and hard cheeses
• Dishes with mushrooms or truffles

Accompanied by these dishes, the 'Sito dell’Ulmo' expresses its full tasting potential, providing a complete and gratifying sensory experience.

Storage and Aging: How to Store Sicilia Merlot DOC 'Sito dell’Ulmo' 2020 - Planeta

To preserve the wine's qualities, it is important to store it in a cool, dark place with controlled humidity, at a constant temperature between 14°C and 16°C. The bottle should be kept horizontally to keep the cork constantly in contact with the wine and prevent excessive oxidation.

The Sicilia Merlot DOC 'Sito dell’Ulmo' 2020 - Planeta is a wine that evolves beautifully over time. If well stored, it can be enjoyed even after 8-10 years from the vintage, developing increasingly complex and refined notes. Ideal for those who wish to have a fascinating and long-lived Sicilian red in their cellar.