Planeta Cerasuolo di Vittoria

Sicily always makes me think of Michael Corleone trudging up and down dry, scrubby hillsides. Then it makes me think of delicious, delicious wine; 12% of Italy’s total output, in fact, thanks to near-perfect growing conditions on this sunny island with oodles of volcanic soil. Cerasuolo di Vittoria is the island’s only DOCG, the highest designation of quality. Cerasuolo means "cherry like,” which explains why I love the wine. It must contain both Nero d’Avola and Frappato, and Planeta’s version is a 60/40 blend. It’s like stuffing a fistful of cherries in your mouth and reveling in the juice stains. What grows together goes together, and Sicily grows plenty of olives, tomatoes, basil and fresh seafood. I say combine those ingredients as you see fit and enjoy.