From: Sicily, Italy
Varietal: Nerello Mascalese
It is in the volcanic soils of Mt. Etna where the Tornatore family has set deep, centuries-old roots. The Tornatores, one of the oldest wine-growing families on Mt. Etna, have lived in Sicily since 1680 and trace their Etna grape growing back to 1865. That heritage and the Tornatore’s profound respect and understanding of the land is showcased in wines that capture the essence of Etna, deftly balancing concentrated flavors, complexity, freshness, and refinement. The Tornatore’s Etna roots have long grounded them in the flavors and patterns of their region, and it was this knowledge that inspired Francesco Tornatore to found his family’s winery in the town of Castiglione di Sicilia in 2010, nearly a century and a half after his great grandfather first planted vineyards on Mt. Etna. The region benefits from Sicily’s ample sunshine, but Mt. Etna’s high elevation also provides greater rainfall, moderating breezes, and cooler temperatures. Etna’s unique nature means soils, microclimates, and exposures change dramatically from site to site, creating a panorama of characteristics and possibilities in the vineyards. Tornatore blends artisan and modern winemaking to craft wines such as the Bianco and Rosso that display the full range of fruit and complex personality of Etna terroir, and single vineyard wines—Pietrarizzo with its high elevation and Trimarchisa with 40-year-old vines—that express the beauty and distinct character of their exceptional sites.
Tasting Notes: Tornatore Pietrarizzo Etna Rosso is from Sicily's Mt. Etna region. The terraced vineyards 700m high atop the slopes of Mt. Etna, vines struggle for water in rocky soil, producing grapes with intense color and fruit character, balanced by racy acidity and refined structure. Elegant and beautifully balanced, the Pietrarizzo Rosso red wine has aromas and characteristics of wild strawberry, dried florals, red cherry, fresh herbs and spice, which integrate on the full-bodied palate with notes of slate and limestone before a smooth, lengthy finish. This Italian red wine is appellated from Etna Rosso DOC and is 100% Nerello Mascalese.
93 Points -James Suckling
93 Points -Wine Enthusiast
