Planeta

Mrs. Vino gave me a wine calendar last December and I'm picking up all sorts of great tips from it. A few weeks back I read about "Planeta", a Sicilian wine blend that makes a great summer sipper - especially when chilled. I'm always challenged to recall the daily advice I see in the calendar, but on this day I thought, Sicily is like a planet, spinning around in the Mediterranean - so "Planeta" fits for me. After a hot Friday before Labor day hike with my father, we swing by the Good Life Market near Gray Maine and I eye a Planeta in the bargain rack. (Hey - who hasn't looked at the bargain rack in the last few years!) Fortunately, there is still just enough summer air on Saturday night in early September and I pop the chilled gem for my Dad and Mrs. Vino. I understand Planeta primarily uses Nero d'avola, the most important grape variety from Sicily. The wine calendar also referenced Frappato, but this Planeta skipped that varietal. We all appreciate the refreshing red with distinctive cherry flavors. Look for any Planeta the next time you're shopping wine and serve it chilled on a hot summer night.