Winemaker Tornatore has delivered a true work of art with the red wine Etna Rosso Pietrarizzo. That is impressive in itself, of course, but the conditions are far from easy. The vineyard is situated on Mount Etna at an altitude of 600 to 1,000 meters. This means it is cooler than lower down in the valley. The vineyard faces north, giving the sun only limited opportunity to heat the grapes directly. And yet, or perhaps precisely because of this, this has turned out to be a very special and excellent wine. We are very enthusiastic about this wine and are proud to be able to supply it to you.

Tornatore Wine Estate

The Tornatore wine estate was established by Francesco Tornatore, who made his living in telecommunications. He only created a beautiful wine estate in Castiglione di Sicilia in the 21st century. It is situated on volcanic soil on the north side of Mount Etna. However, Francesco's great-grandfather had already planted vineyards in 1865. Tornatore not only boasts over 150 years of experience, but also features partly old vineyards. Tornatore aims to work exclusively with indigenous grape varieties. For reds, Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio have been chosen, while for whites, Carricante has been selected. The harvest is done by hand.

Sicily is quite warm, but the Tornatore wines are grown at such high altitudes, between 600 and 1,000 meters, that the wine achieves a remarkable freshness and elegance. That is why the red wines are often called the Burgundies of Sicily. Nothing is left to chance in the cellar either in order to produce great wines. Wine with respect for the terroir: the wines are fermented in modern concrete vats and aged in large oak barrels. As a result, virtually no oak usage can be tasted in the wines. All in all, this yields very precise, elegant, fresh, and easy-drinking wines that are, moreover—by Etna standards—very pleasantly priced.

Tasting note Tornatore – Etna Rosso Pietrarizzo

This ruby-red wine has a delicate, complex nose with hints of red berries and flowers. The taste is intense, with a complex structure. Minerality, fruit, and tannins combine to create an elegant wine that is already surprisingly drinkable when young.

Awards

Etna Rosso Pietrarizzo from winemaker Tornatore has already received many prestigious awards, including:

Gambero Rosso: due bicchieri. Two glasses for Etna Rosso Pietrarizzo 2015

James Suckling: 93 points (vintage 2015). A layered and fresh red with dried strawberry and cherry character. Medium body, firm and silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Linear, tight and defined.

Wine Enthusiast 93 points (vintage 2014). Aromas evoking red berries, dark baking spices, and grilled Mediterranean herbs emerge from the glass. The elegantly structured taste reveals black cherry, wild strawberry, liquorice, cracked pepper, and a hint of sage. It is beautifully balanced, with bright acidity and refined tannins. Drink 2019 through 2024.