NAME’S ORIGIN: an homage to the Baron of Ramione, the previous owner of the Pianetto estate.

DENOMINATION: DOC Sicilia.
LOCATION: Contrada Pianetto, Santa Cristina Gela (PA) for the

Merlot and Contrada Baroni, Noto (SR) for the Nero d’Avola.

YIELD PER HECTARE: Merlot 10 tonnes per ha, Nero d’Avola 8 tonnes per ha.

VINE DENSITY: Merlot 4.830 plants per ha; Nero d’Avola: 13 ha with 8.264 plants per ha.

SOIL QUALITY: Merlot: medium-textured, rich in clay, gravel and minerals; Nero d’Avola: medium-textured calcareous-clay soil.

ELEVATION: 650 m a.s.l. for the Merlot and 50 m a.s.l. for the Nero d’Avola.

TRAINING SYSTEM: vertical trellises. PRUNING: spur-trained cordons, 8/10 buds. BOTTLES PRODUCED: 14.000.
FIRST VINTAGE: 2000.
GRAPE BLEND: Merlot – Nero d’Avola. HARVEST: manual; August and September.

VINIFICATION: The grapes harvested manually in boxes have been cooled. After sorting, they were de-stemmed and pressed. The technique

used was the same for the two varieties following a traditional procedure of punching down and pump-over at a controlled temperature.

AGEING: in French oak barriques for 12 months, new, a second or third ageing depending on vintage. In bottle for 24 months.

TOTAL ACIDITY: 5.83 g/L. ALCOHOL: 14.5%. TASTING NOTES: COLOUR: Ruby red color.

AROMA: It opens with aromas of red currant, blackberry and raspberry; Pepper notes that precede spicy aromas of vanilla, nutmeg and licorice.

FLAVOUR AND TEXTURE: On the palate, the notes of espresso and ground pepper are more evident, adding depth to the main hint of black cherry, while the well recognizable tannins provide support and structure. The taste is confirmed as a soft and balanced wine, of good intensity with a persistent finish. Overall it is a wine with a good body and good harmony that expresses the different peculiarities of the territories of belonging, concentrating them in one essence.

FOOD PAIRINGS: Rich and powerful wine that goes well with elaborate dishes such as baked-pasta, grilled game or beef.

IDEAL SERVING TEMPERATURE: 18°.