Planeta, Cerasuolo di Vittoria, Sicily, Italy, 2007

The name of Sicily’s only DOCG comes from the word ‘cerasa’ in the Sicilian dialect, meaning cherry. By law, the wine must be a blend of two of the island’s indigenous grape varieties – Nero d’Avola and Frappato. Here the ratio is 60:40 with Nero d’Avola giving structure and darker fruits, while the 40% Frappato provides intense red fruit aromas, flavours and freshness. Once picked, the grapes receive eight days maceration and are vinified in stainless steel to lock in the natural acidity. Even after nearly a decade in bottle, this has a stunning nose of strawberries and red cherries. The palate is distinctively fresh and juicy with sour cherries and wild strawberries. It has lovely sweetness a hint of savouriness with light and easy tannins.