Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/457084
{ SOMMjournal.com } 31 the world of wine geekdom, references to Rutherford dust, Mosel slate, Champagne chalk, Loire tuffeau, Medoc gravel, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape galets inform the strata of discus- sions about terroir, lend cred to theories on minerality and indisputably infuse benchmark wines from these terrains with unique and specific characteristics. Now, meet Etna ash. Or, to be precise, the layers of black volcanic soil, lava rocks, dissolved organic matter and ash deposited over centuries by Mount Etna on the island of Sicily. At an imposing 10,922 feet, Etna is Europe's highest—and the world's third most active— volcano, with significant ash plumes and lava flows venting as recently as August 2014. This hot spot is also one of Italy's most exciting and distinctive wine regions. And it is here, on Etna's ash- and lava rock–strewn slopes, that dynamic Sicilian producer Planeta intends to showcase the volcano's unique terroir through a collection of wines produced from indigenous varieties, namely the elegant red Nerello Mascalese and the distinctive white Carricante. By no means a newcomer, the Planeta family has persisted and arguably prevailed in its campaign to raise the bar on the perception and quality of Sicilian wine. In an ambitious effort to represent the diverse microclimates and growing conditions across Sicily, Planeta now operates winemaking facilities in six locations, each focused on the production of boutique-style wines from its estate grown fruit. "For each terroir, its own winery" is the rallying call. "In 1997 Planeta began to explore the best terroirs of Sicily—places that repre- sent tradition and new territories of charm and potential," reflects Head Winemaker Alessio Planeta, adding, "Etna is our latest creation. Our philosophy is each terroir has a story to tell; the stories are all different, all important and without hierarchy—just like children!" Within view of Etna's glowing, smoldering cone, Planeta's newly constructed Feudo di Mezzo estate winery blends traditional winemaking techniques and state- of-the-art technology. Constructed with volcanic rocks on the site of a lava flow that occurred in 1566, and a design intended to integrate it into the surrounding land- scape, Feudo di Mezzo also boasts a hospitality center where guests can immerse themselves in the Etna experience. { discoveries } Planeta's Feudo di Mezzo winery is on the slopes of Siciliy's active Mount Etna volcano. The Sciara Nuova winery produces the Planeta Brut Metodo Classico sparkling wine. PHOTO COURTESY OF PLANETA PHOTO COURTESY OF PLANETA