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 wood notes that add depth. The finish is long, with hints of spices, red fruit, and minerality, making the wine drinkable now, but also capable of being aged for some time.

Food Pairing

The Tornatore Pietrarizzo Etna Rosso is best enjoyed with dishes that complement its freshness and complexity, such as roasted or grilled red meat. Think of lamb, duck, or steak with a herb marinade or sauce, as well as game dishes or poultry with dark sauces, for example, duck breast or pheasant. In addition, dishes featuring mushrooms, truffle, or a smoky touch pair beautifully with the wine's earthy and mineral notes, while mature cheeses like Pecorino or well-aged hard cheeses nicely complement the flavors. For lighter occasions, grilled vegetables, chorizo, or tapas with intense flavors also pair excellently.

Other information

The Tornatore wine estate was established by Francesco Tornatore, who made his fortune in telecommunications. It was not until the 21st century that he created a beautiful wine estate in Castiglione di Sicilia. This is located on the north side of Mount Etna on volcanic soil.

However, Francesco's great-grandfather had already planted vineyards in 1865, so Tornatore not only boasts more than 150 years of experience but also possesses some old vineyards. Tornatore prefers to work only with indigenous grape varieties, namely Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio for red and Carricante for white, including hand-harvesting.

Sicily is quite warm, but Tornatore's vineyards are located at such high altitudes, between 600 and 1000 meters, that the wine achieves a remarkable freshness and elegance as a result. In the cellar, nothing is left to chance in order to produce great wines.

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

Wine scores/Awards

• Gambero Rosso – 2015, 2019, 2020 et seq.: 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