Tornatore Pietrarizzo Etna red

Tasting Note Tornatore Pietrarizzo Etna Rosso

This wine has a light ruby-red color and opens with aromas of red berries, flowers, and Mediterranean herbs, supported by a characteristic minerality. On the palate, it is elegant and well-structured, with fine tannins, refreshing acidity, and subtle oak notes that add depth. The finish is long, with hints of spices, red fruit, and minerality, making the wine enjoyable now but also suitable for cellaring for some time.

Wine & Food Pairing

The Tornatore Pietrarizzo Etna Rosso is best enjoyed with dishes that complement its freshness and complexity, such as roasted or grilled red meats. Think of lamb, duck, or steak with a spicy marinade or sauce, but also game dishes or poultry with dark sauces, such as duck breast or pheasant. In addition, dishes with mushrooms, truffles, or a smoky touch pair beautifully with the earthy and mineral notes of the wine, while aged cheeses like pecorino or well-aged hard cheeses splendidly complement the flavors. For lighter occasions, grilled vegetables, chorizo, or tapas with intense flavors also go excellently.

Other information

The Tornatore winery was founded by Francesco Tornatore, who made his fortune in telecommunications. He only established a beautiful winery in Castiglione di Sicilia in the 21st century. This is located on the north side of Etna on volcanic soil.

However, Francesco's great-grandfather had already planted vineyards in 1865, so Tornatore can not only boast over 150 years of experience but also has some old vineyards. Tornatore only wants to work with indigenous grape varieties, so Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappucio for red and Carricante for white, including manual harvesting.

Sicily is quite warm, but Tornatore's vineyards are located so high, between 600 and 1000 meters, that the wine achieves a striking freshness and elegance as a result. Nothing is left to chance in the cellar either to produce great wines.

Etna Pietrarizzo Rosso from the winery Tornatore is a masterpiece in itself. The volcanic terroir of Etna in Sicily, the altitude at which the grapes are grown, manual harvesting, and low-temperature fermentation are all elements that contribute to a great wine.

Awards/Distinctions

• Gambero Rosso – 2015, 2019, 2020 onwards: Tre Bicchieri (“three glasses”) for multiple vintages

• James Suckling – 2019, 2020: 94/100 for 2019; 93-94/100 for recent vintages

• Tannico – 2021: 91/100

• Decanter – 2021: 92/100

• Wine Spectator – 2019: 93/100

• Robert Parker – 2019: 91/100

• Wine Enthusiast – 2015 and older vintages: approx. 95/100