When you set foot on the red sands of Dorilli, you return home with brick-coloured shoes and your nose full of the scent of cherries: this is your first taste, without a glass, of Planeta's Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG. The estate is located between the sea and the Iblei mountains, in the municipality of Acate. Here, the soil is almost entirely light red sand, with a precious layer of tuff 90 cm deep that retains moisture. The summer heat is naturally mitigated by constant breezes that keep the grapes cool. Since 2005, Cerasuolo di Vittoria has been the only DOCG in Sicily, a seal that imposes limited yields and precise proportions between native grape varieties, thus preserving an inimitable identity. Planeta respects the regulations with an SOStain-certified organic approach, focusing on aromatic purity and sustainability. The blend is classic: 60% Nero d'Avola and 40% Frappato. The former provides fleshiness, subtle tannins and a balsamic accent. The latter adds juicy raspberry and a hint of spice, like a touch of pink pepper. Together they form a harmonious pairing. Harvested in late September, the grapes are refrigerated, crushed and transferred to 114-170 hectolitre steel vats. This marks the start of alcoholic fermentation, followed by 13-15 days of maceration. Malolactic fermentation and ageing then take place in steel vats until bottling in July. In the glass, it is transparent ruby red with cherry reflections. The nose is reminiscent of Marsala strawberries, pomegranate, mulberry and oriental touches of coriander and sandalwood. It is smooth on the palate. Black cherry and carob are immediately apparent, with silky tannins and a savoury finish that also recalls notes of black pepper.