AUGUST
NEWSLETTER
1. Passito di Noto 2. The vineyard 3. Good news for rosè wines 4. Itineraries for the area around Noto 5. More information: Noto and the Villa del Tellaro 6. Staying in Noto: Planeta's 'Case Sparse' 7. Events: Shobha's photographic exhibition 'JOURNEY THROUGH SICILY' at the Orto Botanico, Palermo 8. Events: 'Through Sicily, the Riso collection and more', Palazzo Riso, Palermo 9. Restaurant: Gutshaus Stolpe, Mecklenburg/Vorpommern, Germany 10. Winebar: Catalano, Wein aus Italien, Minden, Germany 11. Restaurant: 21st Restaurant, Tirana, Albania 12. Recipe: Quince jelly 13. Planeta Terra: cars and smog 
1. Passito di Noto Only a few days until the new vintage and the new labels! For the lovers of Moscato di Noto and for wine collectors there is still a chance to purchase a precious bottle of the 2007 vintage. From October and the 2008 vintage onwards, Moscato di Noto becomes 'Passito di Noto'. The new rules of the Denominazione di Origine Controllata 'Noto' will come into force for many types of wine including the reds based on Nero d'Avola. The Moscato grapes are dried in ventilated rooms for about 40 days at 23°C and about 70% humidity, losing a considerable amount of water to the benefit of concentration and aroma. Here in the Buonivini vineyard - its historic name - the constantly sunny climate with no rain combines with the limestone and clay soil which provides a remarkable degree of water retention. The wine has a brilliantly clear golden yellow appearance. It offers a rich and fragrant array to the nose, typical of the Moscato family. The fresh and explosive aromas provide the palate with the ultimate in expression, gathered together in a delightful elegant sweetness. The new label will show a square, consisting of the repeated words 'Passito di Noto', recalling the previous circular one. Preview: Corrado Assenza of the Cafè Sicilia in Noto has created a unique sweet accompaniment to the Passito. This is Artema: AR for 'arancio' (orange), 'arte' (art), 'architettura del gusto' (taste design), 'artigiano' (craftsman), 'armonia' (harmony); TE for 'terra' (land), 'territorio' (district), the personal pronoun 'you', 'tema' (theme), 'di testimone' (proof); MA for 'mandorla' (almond), 'tema' (theme), 'madre' (mother), 'mare' (sea). We will give you more news in the next newsletter. 2. The vineyard The name 'Moscato' probably derives from 'muscum', musk, whose characteristic aroma is found in the grape, and almost certainly corresponds to the Greek 'anathelicon moschaton' and to the Roman 'apiane' grapes. It has innumerable variants spread all over Europe. Among the best known are the Weisser Muskateller in Germany, Moscatel Menudo Blanco in Spain, White Frontignan in Great Britain, Muscat Blanc or 'á petits grains' and Muscat de Frontignan in France, Moscato di Canelli in Italy, and is not to be confused with the yellow Muscats and the Moscatellone of Alexandria (also Zibibbo) which have a different genetic profile. 
3. Good news for Rosè wines Good news for Rosè wines; to safeguard production quality the European Community has rejected the proposal to authorise the mixing of white and red wines. Rosè wines must be produced from red-skinned grapes, because in the stage preceding fermentation, the skins in contact with the must and which contain the 'red' colour, surrender their colour. Planeta's Rosè is produced in this way; after pressing the Syrah grapes begin their fermentation together with the skins, which remain in contact with the must for several hours. The fermentation continues for a long time at low temperatures to preserve the fragrance of the fruit. The result is the characteristic intense and brilliant pink colour, while a fresh explosion of small red fruits is experienced in the nose. In the mouth, the light velvety sensation places it half way between light-bodied white wines and the more structured reds, confirming Rosè as one of the most appropriate wines for summer. The ban on mixing white and red wine makes one of the most dishonest deceptions that could harm Italy out of the question. However, it is always a good idea to read the label as Rosè wines produced by mixing can be imported from outside Europe. 
4. Itineraries for the area around Noto a. Tour of the 'cave' The district of Siracusa is defined by the rocky plateau of the Monti Iblei, composed of whitish-yellow limestone. This stone is much used for building and contributes to the magic continuity of colour between the town centres, farmhouses and the countryside. Over the centuries the water courses have excavated deep valleys, the so-called 'cave', where important burial grounds and rocky settlements have been dug out of the walls, making it a particularly evocative area. Take the SP 14 until reaching the SS 124 which you follow as far as Palazzolo Acreide, soon after Buscami turn off for Ferla and Sortino to see the valley of the Anapo, or Pantalica. A very windy road leads to Solarino, where the SS 124 leads back to Siracusa. This itinerary, using the car for transport, requires a whole day, about 120 km. Don't miss: the archaeological area of Akrai with its Greek theatre at Palazzolo Acreide, the 'latomie' (ancient stone quarries) of Intagliata and Intagliatella, or the Santoni. At Ferla: the main church, church of the Carmine and church of San Sebastiano; the valley of the Anapo and its reserve, the necropolis of Pantalica, the remains of ancient Hybla. Sortino: main church, church of the Nativitá di Maria. b. Four nature reserves and examples of baroque architecture. In a spacious and enchanting landscape defined by the Iblei which slope towards the sea, stand the two treasured baroque centres of Avola and Noto. While four nature reserves much loved by enthusiasts for the outdoors can be found a short distance from Siracusa; the Valle dell'Anapo, Cava Grande of the Cassibile, the Vendicari reserve and the river Ciane with the saltpans of Siracusa. The tour requires a day by car; follow the SS115 from Siracusa to Noto, with the sea visible on one side and vineyards, almond and citrus groves on the other. Then turn south towards Pachino, with turnings to Vendicari, Marzamemi and Portopalo. Don't miss Avola: the hexagonal shape of the town, the main church, the church of Santa Croce, and at 15 km the river Cassibile at Cava Grande with its little lakes where you can swim. Not to be missed at Noto: Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Piazza Municipio, the cathedral, church of San Francesco, Via Cavour, church of San Domenico and the church of the Crocifisso. c. From Portopalo to Capo delle Correnti This walking route runs along a stretch of relatively untouched coast, more crowded in the summer because of its splendid sandy beach. Because there is no road along this length of coast, the path can be followed on foot in peace and quiet without being bothered by traffic. Finding the way is easy and alternates between rocky outcrops and sandy beaches, in sight of the many greenhouses which cover this flat area. Two hours is needed for one way, including a paddle (through knee-high water) to the island of the Correnti, while an hour and a half is enough to return. The whole length of the walk is about 7 km. d. Around Noto by bicycle The tour winds round the countryside of the Iblei plateau, among carobs, oaks, citrus groves and sudden deep canyons. The departure point is the bridge on the river Manghisi, easily recognised from its cement arches. The route fords the river, a tributary of the Cassibile, and keeps close to a series of small lakes. This stretch, about 10 km, mostly follows mule tracks and unmade roads, and needs about 2 hours. Having reached Case Boscarello, turn back following a stretch of the SS 287 as far as a small tarmac road on the left, that leads to a footpath to the river. Turn on to the SS 287 as far as the Villa Vela and then turning off for Santa Maria alla Scala. Continue to Noto Antica, and then to the town of Noto. This second part, 16 km, should take about 2 hours. Height change over the whole route is about 750 m. 5. Noto and the Villa del Tellaro Noto represents the greatest triumph of Sicilian baroque. It was built in the 18th century after Noto Antica was abandoned following the earthquake of 1693 and is planned on a strictly right-angled plan with a principal axis on which three beautiful squares are placed to create particularly delightful spaces, making excellent use of the natural slope and the warm colour of the local stone. More than any other city of eastern Sicily affected by the earthquake, Noto exemplifies completely new ideas. It was rebuilt in a different place from where the old town stood, an opportunity which permitted an urban plan which could satisfy aesthetic and political-social requirements with no restrictions. The choice of a sloping site gave the chance to display, as in a large picture with different grounds, a vast array of religious and civil buildings, all equally visible at the same time. This imaginative delirium was due to an exceptional coming together of many creative spirits, and the result is a totally delightful and magnificent scene, full of surprises and opening on to magnificent panoramas from every street corner. The Villa del Tellaro, near Noto, is a wealthy out-of-town residence of the late Roman imperial age, originally extending over about 6,000 square metres. The remains lie on a low hill near the river Tellaro, under an 18th/19th century farmhouse. Three of the principal rooms remain, the first preserving a mosaic panel depicting the ransom of Hector's body, where Odysseus, Achilles and Diomedes, identified by Greek inscriptions, are carrying the hero's corpse. The mosaic floor of the second room shows a hunting scene, with an open-air banquet among the trees and a female figure identified as the personification of Africa. These scenes in the second room recall the hunting scene mosaics of the Villa Casale at Piazza Armerina, but with more stylised and two-dimensional figures, which give a very different effect. The mosaics are probably the work of African craftsmen. 
6. Staying at Noto: Planeta's 'Case Sparse' At last it is now possible to stay overnight at the Buonivini winery at Noto. Planeta has six bedrooms available in small houses scattered through the vines. These 'Case Sparse', small rural buildings originally used in the vineyard and now intended for guests, have been restored and furnished in the course of the art project 'Journey through Sicily' by the Milan artist Costanza Algranti, using only recycled materials such as wood and old agricultural tools originating in the area. The vines and almond trees that surround the houses create a unique and lovely atmosphere, typical of the fertile countryside of this part of Sicily. For information and prices, contact Chiara Planeta at visits@planeta.it or contact the office in Palermo, telephone +39 091 327965. Where to eat: Trattoria del Crocifisso, Via Principe Umberto 46, Noto, tel: 0931 571151; Trattoria La Cialoma, Piazza Regina Margherita 23, Marzamemi/Pachino, tel: 0931 841772; Da Andrea, Via Maddalena 24, Palazzolo Acreide, tel: 0931 881448. 
7. Events: Shobha's photographic exhibition 'Journey through Sicily' 10th October - 8th November 2009, Orto Botanico, Palermo (every day 9 - 18) A TALE OF SICILY EXPLORING THE SPIRIT OF THINGS Costanza Algranti, Shobha, Planeta, Sicily. An exhibition of photographs describing Sicily through the 4 elements to reveal the spirit of the land. A new stage of 'Journey through Sicily', Planeta's project, is coming to the Orto Botanico in Palermo. Two artists, the photographer Shobha and the designer Costanza Algranti, were travelling companions in a journey from Sambuca to Menfi, from Vittoria to Noto and as far as the slopes of Etna. Shobha's photographs express the strength and grace that surge from the fusion of the elements. From the ruins, footpaths, doors wide open to the sky and through her observations the strength of a Sicily of intense contrasts is revealed. Air, water, land and fire encounter one another and disperse in empty spaces laden with memories. About one hundred pictures are exhibited, with two videos made by Shobha and an installation by Costanza Algranti. The first video is the background to the project, in the second Shobha displays the places encountered through pictures and sounds. For information and photographic material: adicorbetta comunicazione, comunicazione@adicorbetta.org, tel: +39 02 89053149, Corso Magenta 10, 20123, Milan. Planeta, Via Michele Amari 22, Palermo; marketing@planeta.it, Tel: +39091327965. 8. Events: 'Passaggi in Sicilia. La Collezione di Riso e oltre' (Through Sicily, the collection of Riso and more). Palazzo Riso, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Palermo From 10th July to 4th October 2009. Contemporary art. For this exhibition at Palazzo Riso, Planeta will produce 'Work No. 265' by Martin Creed. This is a work by one of most original and best-known contemporary artists, a reference point for conceptual art. The exhibition presents the Riso Contemporary Art Museum of Sicily's collection to the public for the first time and consists of about forty works by Italian and international contemporary artists linked to the island and its history; Carlo Accardi, Vanessa Beecroft, John Bock, Canecapovolto, Maurizio Cattelan, Pietro Consagra, Tony Cragg, Francesco De Grandi, Tacita Dean, Andrea Di Marco, Fulvio di Piazza, Luciano Fabro, Stefania Galegati, Emilio Isgrò, Jannis Kounnellis, Giuliana Lo Porto, Richard Long, Lili Renaud-Dewar, Anri Sala, Salvo, Antonio Sanfilippo, Francesco Simeti, Thomas Struth, Carlo Valsecchi, Massimo Vitali, Luca Vitone. Focal works of the avant garde and the new generation of Sicilian artists, among whom are the two young but already well known Sicilians, Croce Taravella and Alessandro Bazan, who have previously taken part in 'Journey through Sicily', the project for art and the land entirely managed and produced by Planeta. 
9. Gutshaus Stolpe, Germany In peaceful, Baltic Stolpe, in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the Gutshaus Stolpe, Relais and Chateau is an excellent refuge for mind and body. The style of the Relais is a tribute to the most representative expressions of the old Europe; French lamps and textiles, Swedish fittings, Spanish floors and Italian fireplaces contribute to an 'extravagant' and well considered sensation of wellbeing. The Stűrken family has a single aim, to make every gastronomic experience in the restaurant unforgettable. The menus proposed are topical and well rooted in regional specialities; wild boar in puff pastry with pepper sauce and wild mushrooms, chicken salad with asparagus and vinaigrette, prawn soup, créme brulèe with marinaded strawberries or French cheese marinaded with pears. Gutshaus Stolpe, Relais and Chateau, Peenstrasse 33, 17391 Stolpe bei Anklam, Tel. +490397215500, http://www.gusthaus-stolpe.de 10. Catalano, Wein aus Italien, Minden, Germany Massimo Catalano, formerly from Foggia and now in Minden in North Rhine Westphalia, has a passion for wine. It is evident from the care taken in the details of the wine shop and particularly in the more than 400 labels selected from the best Italian wineries. The already full daily programme is enriched by tastings, meetings with producers, seminars on wine, party services, advice and sales to professionals in the sector. There is also a corner for quality Italian gastronomy. The Catalano wine shop is one of the best places for Italian wine in Germany. Address: Lűbeckerstrasse 203, 32429 Minden/Dűtzen, Germany. Tel: +49 (0)5715965, http://www.weintrinken.com, http://www.vinothek.catalano.de, http://www.mangiami.de, info@vinothek-catalano.de 11. '21st Restaurant', Tirana, Albania ABA TWENTY FIRST has arrived, an exclusive, elegantly designed restaurant which brings to the Albanian capital a touch of perfection, prestige and beauty. Situated on the top floor of the innovative building of the ABA Business Center, ABA TWENTY FIRST is the 'ceiling' of refined good taste of the 21 floors of the building designed by the prestigious English architects Bolles & Wilson and furnished by Comi architects. Thanks to their collaboration with Laurenzi Consulting, the leading Italian firm in the advisory sector for restaurants, wine and food gastronomy, ABA TWENTY FIRST offers high standards of quality and service with a 100% made in Italy touch. The kitchen is headed by Executive Chef Ignazio Campanale, offering a DOC Italian menu, light, creative and based on a series of excellent Italian products. The wine list boasts more than 300 labels of Italian and international wines. ABA TWENTY FIRST, Restaurant and American Bar, Rr. 'Papa Gjon Pali i II', tel: +35 569 4037054 http://www.ababusinesscenter.al - twentyfirst@ababusinesscenter.al 
12. Recipe: Quince jelly Recipe based on 8 250 gr. ramekins: 2 kg. fruit, 1 kg. sugar. Preparation: place the fruit in a saucepan and add water to cover. Cook until the fruit is very soft and has released the greatest amount of juice possible. Turn the by now creamy fruit into a sieve and strain the juice. Important: the fruit must not be pressed or the juice will become cloudy. For every litre of juice obtained, add 1 kg. sugar. Bring to the boil and stir continuously for 4-5 minutes. Pour into the ramekins at once and cover. Quince jelly. For 4 ramekins of 250 gr. each: 1.25 kg of quinces, 1 kg sugar '1:1', 20 ml mandarin liqueur, vanilla pods. Preparation: Polish the quinces energetically with a dry clothy, wash them and cut into large pieces. Put in a saucepan and add 1.25 litres water. Bring to the boil and leave to cook slowly for about 30 minutes. When cooked, collect the juice by sieving the fruit. For every litre of juice obtained, if insufficient add some water, stir in 1 kg. sugar, pieces of vanilla and boil for about 4 minutes, stirring continually. Add the liqueur and pour into the ramekins. 
13. Planeta Terra Our towns are always more crowded with cars and even though the roads increase, the traffic and the smog it produces, get worse. Building new roads or widening those already existing does not help at all. The only way to reduce the traffic is to use cars as little as possible or fill them with more people. If anyone needs to replace their car, opt for one of the new fuels such as methane or GPL, which are less polluting. Some useful plans exist such as 'car pools' (sharing a private car between a group of people to reduce the costs of petrol and pollution), or 'car sharing' (the car is booked in advance, fetching and taking it back to a particular place which may be near home, and paying for the use made of it). In any case, one of the best means of transport is the bicycle. |
