October Newsletter
The 2009 Harvest - First part


Summary
  1. The 2009 harvest in two parts.
  2. The 2009 harvest. First part: Menfi and Sambuca di Sicilia.
  3. Shiraz or Syrah; notes and origins.
  4. 'Exclusively La Segreta!': Brussels, Prague, Munich, Düsseldorf, Vienna, Graz, Salzburg.
  5. 2009/2010 Prizes: Tre Bicchieri from Gambero Rosso, and Cinque Grappoli from Ais-Bibenda.
  6. Wine Spectator 'Savoring Italy', U.S.A. Wines and their points.
  7. Events: JOURNEY THROUGH SICILY - Project for Art and the Land, Palermo.
  8. Events: Cristina Melotti at the Milan Triennale for BESTA, Milan.
  9. Restaurants: Evason Phuket & Six Senses Spa, Phuket, Thailand.

10 Primafila, Bar-Restaurant-Pasticceria, Stuttgart, Germany.
11 Piazza Saitta Restaurant, Düsseldorf, Germany.
12.Recipe: Wild asparagus.

13. Planeta Terra: Milan Expo 2015, Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life.



1. The 2009 Harvest in two parts
The grape harvest, the 'vendemmia', takes place in Sicily between the months of August and October, by any standards a long period of more than 70 days. The precise date depends on many factors, all resulting from the quest for excellence: the grapes must have achieved a state of perfect ripeness, where the relationship between sugars, acids and aromatic substances present in the fruit have reached their finest levels. The principal elements are; general climatic conditions, microclimate, altitude of the vineyard, aspect and hours of sunshine, type of soil and area of production, vine variety and the quantity produced per plant. Each of these elements is able to vary the harvesting period by several days, or even months.
The different areas where Planeta cultivates their vines clearly demonstrates this diversity; the vineyards of Menfi and Sambuca di Sicilia, with the wineries of Ulmo and Dispensa, are ripe in August, except for Grecanico, a late variety which achieves ripeness at the end of September. While the vineyards of Noto and Vittoria, with the wineries of Buonivini and Dorilli, ripen in the middle of September. The harvest finishes at the end of October with the Carricante grapes on Etna, an indigenous variety which in itself is late and is further delayed by the altitude. At Sciara Nuova on the volcano the vineyards actually lie at more than 1,000 metres above sea level.
When producing the report on the harvest, we preferred to divide it into two parts and thereby supply more detail. The first part is shown in this newsletter and regards eastern Sicily, the area between Menfi and Sambuca di Sicilia. The second part, devoted to western Sicily, will appear in the next newsletter.


2. 2009 harvest, 1st part: Menfi and Sambuca
The first part of the 'autumn-winter' season, in this area of western Sicily, was cool with little rainfall. The spring, on the contrary, was particularly wet, above all in the period immediately preceding the summer, ensuring the vines were in a perfect state of health and ready to face the hot season. Most of the summer was defined by a pleasantly cool climate, steady without periods of intense heat and never above the seasonal average. Hours of sunshine were balanced. The beginning of the harvest, 17th August, was delayed by about 10-14 days in comparison with other years, permitting the holiday period to extend beyond Ferragosto (15th August), something very rare for us. The temperatures then rose noticeably after 19th-20th August, maintaining a good level of humidity and thus avoiding dehydration and concentration of the fruit. The red grapes were harvested instead between the first and second week of September. Particularly notable for quality are the Nero d'Avola and Syrah grapes. The harvesting of Grecanico finished at the end of September.


3. Shiraz or Syrah: notes and origins
The region of Fars in present-day Iran was known as 'the Doors of Persia'. The capital Persepolis, founded by Darius I in 520 B.C. and later occupied by Alexander the Great, was only one of the five capitals of the Achaemenid dynasty. After falling into oblivion, it was replaced in importance by another city about 50 km to the south, Shiraz. Lying at 1,500 metres altitude and at 150 km from the sea, Shiraz had the right combination of elements to become, as it soon was, a successful wine area. In the 17th century European merchants discovered the excellent quality of the wine produced at Shiraz and began to deal in it, sending it to India and the English colonies. Among the many interesting things about it regards its transport; the wine was poured into bottles which were wrapped in straw and packed in wooden cases to reduce the damage caused by the long and difficult journey to the sea, the Persian gulf. Today Shiraz (or Syrah) is at home along the southern part of the French Rhone, a vine that loves intense light and is cultivated in almost all the Italian peninsula, in Australia and in many other parts of the world.


4. 'Exclusively La Segreta!'
Find your nearest winebar for 'Exclusively La Segreta!' and sip a real taste of Sicily. 'Exclusively La Segreta' is the promotion of La Segreta Bianco and La Segreta Rosso wines, wines of great and youthful character and expressing their country of origin. Members will be able to taste both wines 'by the glass' at these winebars. Among them: Ristorante I Latini, Place Sainte-Catharine 2, Brussels; The Augustine Hotel, Letenská, Prague; Divinis Wine Bar, Týnská 21, Prague; Galleria, Ladererstr. 2, Munich; Speisemeisterei, Westerholzstr. 1, Munich; The Charles Hotel, Sophienstrasse 28, Munich; Poccino, Schadow Arkaden 1, Düsseldorf; Ristorante Trattoria Corti, Münzgrabenstrasse 17, Graz; Restaurant M 32, Mőnchsberg 32, Salzburg. A complete list of winebars can be found on the La Segreta website: http://www.la-segreta.it.


5. 2009/2010 Prizes: Gambero Rosso, Ais-Bibenda
New prizes have been awarded to Planeta wines! From previews of the 2010 guides to Gambero Rosso's 'Vini d'Italia' and Ais-Bibenda's 'Duemilavini', we are very pleased to announce that Cometa 2008 has received two of the most important Italian wine awards, the 'Tre Bicchieri' from Gambero Rosso and the 'Cinque Grappoli' from AIS-Bibenda. The Gambero Rosso guide will be officially presented in Rome, on Sunday 18th October at 4.30 p.m., at the Città del Gusto. AIS-Bibenda's 'Duemilavini' guide will be presented on Monday, 9th November at 7.0 p.m., also in Rome, at the Salone dei Cavalieri at Hotel Rome Cavalieri. The event will offer a Gala Dinner with a menu prepared by Gianfranco Vissano, in addition to tastings of the Cinque Grappoli wines.
http://www.bibenda.it/
http://www.gamberorosso.it/


6. Wine Spectator 'Savouring Italy', U.S.A.
Good news from abroad. The most celebrated American wine magazine, Wine Spectator, publishes an edition on 31st October on 'Savoring Italy', with the points of some Planeta wines. An article on Sicily is edited by Jo Cooke, with points for wines:
- 92 points: Top Wine; Planeta, 2006 Chardonnay.
- 91 points: Top Wine; Planeta, 2008 Cometa.
- 90 points: Planeta 2006 Santa Cecilia, Nero d'Avola.
- 90 Points: Planeta, 2006 Syrah.
- Top Value: Planeta, 2008 La Segreta Bianco (one of the 500 best wines in the world under $20).
http://www.winespectator.com/issue/show/date/2009-10-31


7. JOURNEY THROUGH SICILY - Project for art and the land
Orto Botanico, Palermo, from 10th October until 8th November 2009
'JOURNEY THROUGH SICILY' - Project for Art and the Land, is a homage to Sicily, to its beauty and its history. The places of work and of wine are transformed by the sensibilities of different artists every year. The new stage of Journey through Sicily appears next October in the magnificent setting of the Orto Botanico in Palermo where the photographs of Shobha and the objects designed by Costanza Algranti will be exhibited. Shobha, a Sicilian photographer, has lived between Palermo and India for several years. Through her pictures and her video, she describes the places, the memories, the life and the countryside of Sicily. The tale of this Journey goes from Sambuca to Menfi, from Vittoria to Noto and as far as the slopes of Etna following a visual and perceptual journey rich with evocative feelings. Shobha's photographs and video express an energy flowing from the fusion of the various elements encountered during the journey. Ruins, footpaths, tumbledown houses, doors open to the sky, and then pieces of timber, scrap iron, fires and water reveal the strength of a land deeply imbued with memories and contrasts, where the elements meet and merge creating a poetic and original vision. In the exhibition the places are described through more than one hundred pictures and 'auditory perceptions' recorded during the journey. Photographs of various sizes and a video recount the journey traced by Shobha. A dialogue with the elements and with the designer Costanza Algranti, who has created for Planeta and the Journey through Sicily project a unique series of works, some of which will be shown at the exhibition; furniture-sculpture, made from recycled materials actually salvaged during the Journey. The artist-designer from Tuscany works around the idea of re-use, giving life once more to pieces, fragments, and elements of existence already experienced. Her objects, whether furniture, sculpture or decorative items, are created entirely from salvaged materials. Some of her works will later be placed permanently in the 'Case Sparse' at Noto, one of Planeta's wineries. The exhibition will be open to the public from 10th October until 8th November 2009.
http://www.ortobotanico.palermo.it


8. Cristina Melotti at the Milan Triennale for BESTA
Milan, Triennale, 12th October 2009
On 12th October at the Sala d'Onore of the Milan Triennale, Cristina Melotti, an artist now living in New York, trained in the distinguished avant-garde world of her father, sculptor Fausto Melotti, presents her recent work for one evening only. The artist declares that she seeks to convey the wonder that children feel faced with the world, life and its mysteries, their faith in goodness and in a happy ending. Cristina Melotti allies her painting with her constant involvement in helping children to the extent of being presented in 2006 with the title of Hero of the City of New York. For this engagement in Milan the artist wishes to pursue her concerns, dedicating a part of the proceeds of her sales to the support of Foundation IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, a centre of excellence in diagnosis and therapy of children's neurological disorders. Planeta is a technical sponsor of the Milan Triennale, and on this occasion will offer an aperitive as well as the exhibition space.


9. Evason Phuket & Six Senses Spa, Thailand
The Evason Phuket & Six Senses resort is a fabulous Thai resort on the island of Phuket. With a view over the enchanting Andaman Sea, the resort spreads over an area of 26 hectares of tropical garden and parkland, pursuing an eco-friendly concept with no compromises. The refined service and the Spa 'Six Senses' is one of the most admired on the international circuit. There are several gourmet opportunites; the 'Into Thai', 'Into the Beach and 'Onto the Island' restaurants are reached within ten minutes by boat on the nearby island of Bon, while 'Into the View' and 'Into the Med' probably offer a style nearest to Italian cuisine, and provide an overall view of world and Thai gastronomy. To match with a choice of Planeta wines, you will be advised by Sommelier Monika Bielka-Vescovi, while the menus - some of them prepared with completely organic resources - are prepared by the Executive Chef, Thomas Jacob.
100 Vised Road, Moo 2, Tambol Rawai, Muang District, Phuket 83130, Thailand.
Tel: +66 (0) 76 381 010 up to 7, Fax: +66 (0) 76 381 018
Email: reservations-phuket@sixsenses.com
http://www.sixsenses.com/Evason-Phuket/index.php


10. Primafila, Bar-Restaurant-Pasticceria, Stuttgart, Germany.
The Stuttgart television tower was inaugurated and began to function on 5th February 1956, at the end of 20 months of construction work. With its imposing height of 217 metres it has been the model for other television towers throughout the world. At the foot of the tower, its reference point, stands the restaurant-bar Primafila, clearly of Italian inspiration and known throughout the region. Luigi Aracri, with the chef Salvatore La Torre, offers creative cookery with an eye to tradition. We mention the lobster salad with citrus in lime sauce, spaghetti with clams and ginger, the lamb in pine-nut crust with grape sauce and the tiramisu. There is a good choice of wines by the glass. The Cigar Lounge is interesting, the pasticceria is delightful and outside there is a beer garden.
Johannstrasse 120, Stuttgart, Germany.
Tel: 0049(0)7112363155, 7112363156
http://www.primafila.de/


11. Piazza Saitta Restaurant, Düsseldorf, Germany.
The Saitta brothers, considered an institution in Düsseldorf - we are in North-Rhine Westphalia - very successfully manage a bar, a wine shop and a delicatessen, as well obviously as the restaurant Piazza Saitta that we mention. The atmosphere is modern and elegant with careful detailing. The cooking is typical and belongs to the best Italian traditions. From the antipasti to the fresh fish specialities, to fish and vegetables, the light hand of Gianpiero Mancini never makes a mistake. There are more than a hundred wines available to drink by the glass. The service is confident and pleasant. Purchases are available from the on-line shop.
Barbarossaplatz 3, Düsseldorf, Germany.
Tel: 0049 (0)2111715191
http://www.saitta.de


12. Recipe: Wild asparagus
In Sicily wild asparagus is more widespread and appreciated than common asparagus (asparagus officinalis). There are two types; the first is light green, the other darker, almost black (asparagus acutifoloius and asparagus tenuifolis). It grows on stones and among blackberries, in damp conditions. It is narrow and long with an intense and pleasantly bitter flavour. Because of being wild, it is difficult to find it in shops and will be seen in the old street markets, in Palermo the Vucciria or Ballarò, or sold on street corners by the country people who pick it. The period is usually January-April, or after plenty of rain.
Recipe for pasta, risotto or omelettes: Cook two garlic cloves until golden in a small amount of Planeta Tradizionale extra-virgin olive oil, salt and a pinch of chopped parsley. Add 500 gr. of cleaned asparagus and a very little water. Cook over a low heat for 20 minutes and add salt and pepper.
Recipe for a side-dish or evening meal: Cook two garlic cloves until golden in a small amount of Planeta Tradizionale extra-virgin olive oil and add 400 gr. of asparagus tips. Add a glass of water, a spoonful of tomato extract, 3 spoonfuls La Segreta Bianco and a little chopped parsley. Cook for 20-30 minutes. After cooking season with a little more fresh oil. Serve warm.


13. 2015 Expo in Milan. Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life.
Food is the vital energy of the planet necessary for sustained development based on correct and constant nutrition of the body, respecting the basic needs of life of every human being and their health. Expo 2015 in Milan will be an extraordinary universal event presenting tradition, creativity and innovation in the food sector, in the light of new global scenarios at the centre of which is the theme of the right to healthy food, a secure supply and sufficient for the whole planet. Here are some of the work themes:

  • Reinforce the quality and safety of food; the safety of having sufficient food to live and the certainty of consuming healthy food and safe drinking water;
  • Ensure safe and sufficient food for all human beings to eliminate hunger, thirst, infantile mortality and the malnutrition that affects 850 million people on the planet today, overcoming famines and pandemics;
  • Prevent the new great social ills of our times, from obesity to cardio-vascular disease, from cancer to widespread epidemics, encouraging the practices which will allow their cure;
  • Innovate with research, technology and effort the whole food network, to improve the nutrition values of products, their conservation and distribution;
  • Educate with correct eating patterns to encourage new lifestyles particularly for children, adolescents, the disabled and the old;
  • Encourage knowledge of 'traditional foods' as cultural and ethnic elements.
http://www.milanoexpo-2015.com