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

Awards

The Tornatore – Etna Rosso wine has already won many prestigious awards. Here is a selection of the accolades:

3 glasses from Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchhieri for Etna Rosso 2015, extraordinary for precision, elegance and a pleasant drink; very fine in the aromas of mulberry, peach and tobacco, well married to the characteristic Etna mineral stamp with smoky notes, it is austere, characterized by a beautiful return of fresh fruit and a long, satisfying finish.

Robert Parker 89 points The 2015 Etna Rosso is mostly Nerello Mascalese and a smaller proportion of Nerello Cappuccino from new vines. The wine is pale and light in appearance with a strong volcanic mineral vein cutting through the texture. You get delicate notes of wild berries, tar, and aniseed at the edges. On the palate, however, the presentation is streamlined and simple, with a nice length to keep the momentum going.

James Suckling 93 points (2015) Very bright cherry and floral aromas lead through to a medium body, firm and silky tannins, and a fresh finish. Tight and almost chewy texture. Needs a few years to soften.

Wine Enthusiast 93 points (2014) Aromas of pressed rose, violet, raspberry compote, and cake spices all come together in this seductive red. On the palate, a mineral vein underscores layers of ripe wild cherries, black raspberries, white pepper, and chopped herbs. Firm, velvety tannins and fresh acidity form the backbone.