2017 Planeta - Didacus Cabernet Franc Menfi (750ml)

Crafted from estate-grown Cabernet Franc vines in the Menfi DOC of western Sicily, the 2017 Planeta Didacus channels a distinct balance of coastal sea breezes and mineral-rich limestone-clay soils. Named after Don Diego de Vera, the family patriarch who planted the original planas in 1894, this varietally focused bottling respects traditional Bordeaux framing while embracing Sicily’s solar intensity and natural salinity. The 2017 growing season delivered even maturation without excessive sugar accumulation, preserving the vineyard’s inherent acidity and structural integrity.

The aromatic profile immediately presents bright red cherry, sun-warmed raspberry, and precise notes of cracked black pepper, wild thyme, and dry tobacco. Medium in body with polished, grippy tannins, the palate moves toward cooked plums, crushed herbs, and a subtle cedar edge that supports a long, saline-driven finish. Serving the wine at sixty to sixty-four degrees Fahrenheit after a brief decant allows the volatile aromatics to open fully while keeping the mid-palate refreshed.

This structured yet approachable style matches naturally with savory, protein-forward preparations that highlight its herbal nuance and steady acid line. Ideal alongside herb-crusted rack of lamb, slow-braised wild boar ragù tossed with bronze tagliatelle, roasted root vegetables, or firm sheep’s milk cheeses such as Pecorino Siciliano and Toma. The 2017 holds a reliable drinking window today, with gradual softening expected over the next four to five years.**