LCBO VINTAGES NEW RELEASE
Tornatore Etna Bianco DOC 2019
Sicily, Italy.
100% Carricante aged in concrete vats. Expect hints of grapefruit, white peach and herbs on the nose. The palate has a lovely texture and freshness complemented by an extraordinary minerality.
Available by the bottle at select LCBO Stores and by the case here.
It is in the volcanic soils of Mt. Etna where the Tornatore family has set deep, centuries old roots since 1680
Giuseppe Tornatore:
"Our winery and vineyards are only a few kilometres away from our home. We have the greatest respect for this region, and we believe we have a responsibility to be stewards of Etna, and to reflect the region's distinct character in the wines we make.”
Tornatore’s deep understanding of their land is showcased in wines that capture the essence of Etna, deftly balancing flavors, complexity, freshness and refinement. Their regional series capture the complex personality of Etna’s volcanic terroir, whereas their single-vineyard collection from high elevation sites and old vines expresses the beauty and distinct character of their land.
Discover Tornatore's Premium Collection
- Nerello Cappuccio, Nerello Mascalese
- Volcanic
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2 g/l
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Azienda Agricola Tornatore
Out of a Sicilian family heritage that traces back to the 17th century, the Tornatore’s Mount Etna wine ventures began in 1865. Today the family’s operations are headed by Giuseppe Tornatore, a businessman whose expertise led to the acquisition of some of the region’s finest north-facing vineyards in the early 2000’s. 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 company lies in the northern side of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. The soils have volcanic origin and were created through the disintegration of lava, ash and stones from previous volcanic eruptions. The climate on the northern side of the Etna is characterized by mild temperatures, and more rain fall reflecting the influence of the Volcano. The combination of soil, climate and the skill of the winemakers, have made the northern slope of Etna an ideal area for the production of high-quality wines. “Our vineyards and our winery are only a few kilometers from our family home. Our entire family is rooted there. We have the greatest respect for this region, and we believe we have a responsibility to be stewards of Etna and to reflect its distinct character in our wines.” - Giuseppe Tornatore
Press Reviews
Wine Enthusiast
96 points
Aromas of wild red berries, violet, Mediterranean herbs and eucalyptus mingle together with exotic spice and smoky graphite on this gorgeous, fragrant red, made with 95% Nerello Mascalese and 5% Nerello Cappuccio. The elegant palate has great tension and finesse, doling out raspberry compote, ripe blackberry, licorice and a hint of almond before an orange zest finish. It's superbly balanced, with taut, silky tannins and fresh acidity. Drink through 2029.
Vinous
93 Points
Luminous red-ruby. Saline red berries and herbs on the perfumed nose and mouth are complemented by violet and broom. A real big, powerful mouthful of red wine but rather refined too, actually showcasing very good balance and a suave touch.
- Red Wine
- Nerello Cappuccio, Nerello Mascalese
- Sustainable, Volcanic
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 3 g/l
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Azienda Agricola Tornatore
Out of a Sicilian family heritage that traces back to the 17th century, the Tornatore’s Mount Etna wine ventures began in 1865. Today the family’s operations are headed by Giuseppe Tornatore, a businessman whose expertise led to the acquisition of some of the region’s finest north-facing vineyards in the early 2000’s. 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 company lies in the northern side of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. The soils have volcanic origin and were created through the disintegration of lava, ash and stones from previous volcanic eruptions. The climate on the northern side of the Etna is characterized by mild temperatures, and more rain fall reflecting the influence of the Volcano. The combination of soil, climate and the skill of the winemakers, have made the northern slope of Etna an ideal area for the production of high-quality wines. “Our vineyards and our winery are only a few kilometers from our family home. Our entire family is rooted there. We have the greatest respect for this region, and we believe we have a responsibility to be stewards of Etna and to reflect its distinct character in our wines.” - Giuseppe Tornatore
Press Reviews
Wine Enthusiast
95 points - Kerin O'Keefe
A blend of predominantly Nerello Mascalese and a small percentage of Nerello Cappuccio, this fragrant red opens with enticing scents of wild red berry, underbrush, blue flowers, Mediterranean scrub and a whiff of warm spices. The taut, polished palate boasts elegance and tension, delivering raspberry compote, strawberry, star anise and blood orange before a mineral, almost salty finish. Fine-grained tannins and bright acidity provide finesse and support. Drink date: 2021-2028.
James Suckling
95 points
Wow. So perfumed and beautiful. Takes your breath away with rose- petal, citrus, violet and lilac aromas. Full-bodied with super integrated tannins that are firm and polished. Ultra-long finish. A wine for the future. Better in 2021.
Vinous
93+ points
Bright red-burry. Intensely mineral and floral on the nose and in the mouth, with blueberry and strawberry notes slightly dominated by the stony presence. A seamless wine with lively harmonious acidity theat finishes with a penetrating quality and intensely saline.
- Carricante
- Volcanic
- Dry
- 750ml
- 12.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Azienda Agricola Tornatore
Out of a Sicilian family heritage that traces back to the 17th century, the Tornatore’s Mount Etna wine ventures began in 1865. Today the family’s operations are headed by Giuseppe Tornatore, a businessman whose expertise led to the acquisition of some of the region’s finest north-facing vineyards in the early 2000’s. 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 company lies in the northern side of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. The soils have volcanic origin and were created through the disintegration of lava, ash and stones from previous volcanic eruptions. The climate on the northern side of the Etna is characterized by mild temperatures, and more rain fall reflecting the influence of the Volcano. The combination of soil, climate and the skill of the winemakers, have made the northern slope of Etna an ideal area for the production of high-quality wines. “Our vineyards and our winery are only a few kilometers from our family home. Our entire family is rooted there. We have the greatest respect for this region, and we believe we have a responsibility to be stewards of Etna and to reflect its distinct character in our wines.” - Giuseppe Tornatore
Press Reviews
Wine Align - David Lawrason
93 points
From the slopes of volcanic Mt Etna comes a powerful, engaging white with a distinctive smoky almost sulphuric nose. Some may not approve but it is terroir in spades. There are also aromas of apricot, lemongrass, white pepper and beeswax. All very intriguing. It is medium-full bodied, powerful, mineral and edgy on the palate, with juicy acidity. Excellent focus and length. Tasted November 2021
Decanter
91 points
Made from 100% Carricante, with fine balance between minerality and fruit and hints of sweetness; full of white peaches, balsamic herbs and a refreshing citrus finale. A nicely direct wine. Drinking Window 2019 - 2024.
James Suckling
91 points
For a basic Etna bianco, the concentration here is very impressive, as it delivers citrus, nectarines and Granny Smith apples. Lots of energy on the medium-bodied palate, in the form of crisp acidity and a zippy finish. Drink now.
Award-Winning Wines
UPCOMING EVENTS
Tre Bicchieri WorldTour: Toronto
November 22, 2021
Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex
ABOUT TORNATORE
Out of a Sicilian family heritage that traces back to the 17th century, Tornatore’s Mount Etna wine ventures began in 1865.
Today the family’s operation is headed by Giuseppe Tornatore, a businessman whose expertise had led to the acquisition of some of the region’s finest north-facing vineyards in the early 2000s.
The essence of Tornatore's heritage and profound understanding of the land is evidently captured in the wines they craft, deftly balancing concentrated flavours, complexity, freshness and refinement.
A Stunning Volcanic Terroir
Despite Sicily's ample sunshine, 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.
