This family-owned winery is located in the village of Castiglione di Sicilia, on the northeastern slopes of Mt. Etna, Europe’s biggest and most active volcano. And while the family is relatively new to winemaking, they have been growing grapes for more than 150 years. “My first commercial vintage was 2012,” notes founder Francesco Tornatore. “However, it was my great-grandfather who was the first in our family to plant vines here in 1865.”
Mt. Etna is an exceptional terroir. Situated in northeastern Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and Italy’s fourth largest wine producing region, there is abundant warmth and sunshine… There is also a dramatic cooling effect, courtesy of the sea breezes and high elevation, that preserves acidity, enhances structure, and brings complexity to the Tornatore wines. The region’s volcanic soils are both fertile and well-drained and, therefore, ideally suited to viticulture.
Many types of grapes thrive on Mt. Etna’s slopes; but it is the native white Carricante and red Nerello Mascalese that produce the region’s most significant wines (including the two noted directly below). And Tornatore relies almost exclusively on these two varietals for their single vineyard and regional blends.
Tornatore Etna Bianco 2017: In the glass, this wine is a beautiful light straw color with subtle green reflections. The nose perceives hints of stone fruit and herbs, while the palate revels in the bright acidity of lemon, lime, and grapefruit that moves on to a long and slightly salty finish (a characteristic of the Carricante grape). The Wine Enthusiast bestowed 90 points (100-point scale). If you’re tired of that same old boring, over-oaked Chardonnay, the 2017 Etna Bianco makes a uniquely delicious and desirable alternative. Highly recommended.
Tornatore Etna Rosso 2016: This light and lively red wine gives off marvelous whiffs of roses and red berries tinged with subtle herbal notes. The palate is ethereally elegant and alive with hints of strawberry, smooth-as-silk tannins, and a crisp, bright acidity. This delicious, well-balanced wine – which recently received 93 points and an “Editors’ Choice” designation from the Wine Enthusiast – is the perfect complement to any meal.
Both of these wines are available through Pennsylvania State Stores and are priced at $24.99 per bottle (somewhat less if purchased from sources online).
Cheers!
TAD
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