A long story - of love and passion, of knowledge and respect for places - which has lasted for over a century and a half , since Francesco Tornatore's great-grandfather began farming back in 1865. The Tornatore family has continued, from generation to generation, in the path traced then, developing agricultural activity without ever neglecting the attachment and respect towards the traditions and the territory in which they have their roots.
Located on the fertile northern slopes of Etna, the Tornatore company boasts 100 hectares of lush land, with the largest extension of vineyards in the Etna Doc area , olive groves and hazelnut groves. Representing Sicilian excellence and tradition, our company grows native varieties in historic districts, combining traditional methods and modern technologies to produce superior quality wines. Our passion for wine is reflected in every bottle, celebrating the uniqueness of the Etna area.
Founded in 1865 by Francesco Tornatore's great-grandfather , the company has been carrying on a winemaking tradition that has its roots in the fertile lands of Etna for over 150 years . In 1910, grandfather Giuseppe consolidated the family business by building a millstone in the Piano Fiera district, marking the beginning of an expansion that would encompass other precious lands on the northern side of Etna. Our profound knowledge of the territory , enriched by decades of experience and passed down from generation to generation , allows us today to look to the future with the certainty of those who have always known how to respect the land and its traditions, continuing our commitment to excellence and innovation in the world of wine.
Making wine under the volcano is not easy, yet, for those who succeed, it is the most rewarding thing there is. The Tornatore company is located on the fertile northern side of Etna, whose lands, caressed by significant temperature variations due to the proximity of the Nebrodi Mountains, are home to vines that sink into an unrepeatable terroir , shaped by the activity of the highest volcano in Europe. The magical combination of terroir, climate and production knowledge makes the northern side of Etna an ideal territory for the production of unique wines of exceptional complexity and sensorial richness.
Ruby red with soft purplish reflections. Rich and complex on the nose, very reminiscent of small fruits of brambles, black cherry and a very delicate hint of softwood. On the palate it is decisive, complex and extraordinarily persistent.
Review:
Complex aromas of ripe fruit, toffee, cedar and smoke. Medium body, round and creamy tannins and a fresh, juicy finish.
-James Suckling 94 Points
Rubus Special Edition Barossa Shiraz is made from 100 percent
The Rubus Project was created by Fran Kysela as a way to source & sell incredible wines at value prices. All wines in this international project are hand-selected by Fran Kysela. Rubus wines are fruit driven, true-to-type values that over deliver - a true representation of quality for the consumer at an excellent price.
Deep red with a slight purple hue on release. The wine has a rich mix of dark chocolate infused with coffee bean and black liquorice, then scents of tar, aniseed, raw (pure) soy and black olive on the nose. The palate is expansive, and yet balanced and finessed. An amalgam of dark berried flavors and textural sensations. The 100% new oak is completely absorbed, meshed with ripe tannins, completing a palate of impressive length and youthfulness.
Sourced from Thorn-Clarke’s St Kitts vineyard (Block 7) in the far north of the Barossa, the Rubus Reserve demonstrates both the strengths of the region and the unique characters of the vineyard.
A thin layer of topsoil over weathered marble, schist and shale mean the vines work hard to source water and nutrients. The result is naturally low yields concentrating the power and density of the fruit. Diurnal temperature variation is another important aspect of St. Kitts. Warm daytime temperatures are followed by cool nights with variations of up to 30°C (55°F) from the peak during the day into the cool night minimums.
Review:
“Earthy detail develops in this sleek and juicy shiraz, a tarry streak under fresh plum and bruised strawberry. The tannins have gravity and precision, their bracing intensity and concentration integrated into what panelist David Hawkins described as “a big, powerful wine with great liveliness.” While suited to aging, this is accessible now if you’re grilling meats to serve with it.”
- Wine & Spirits (February 2023), 94 pts
"Made by Thorn-Clarke for the US market, this has a rich and vivid nose with blueberry, violet, dark plum and subtle oak spice in play. The palate has a succulent feel with plenty of rich, open-knit blackberry and blueberry flavor. Smoothly delivered tannins carry long and even. Drink over the next decade."
- James Suckling (November 2021), 94 pts
Cabrieres Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge Les Silex is made from 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah .
The vineyard is situated on the high tablelands, which are characteristic of the northern area of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The terrain consists mainly of alpine diluvium and chalky Miocenian soil, with large flint pebbles covering the surface. These pebbles conserve the heat of the day during the night, thus avoiding too much evaporation.
This 2020 has opened up and is drinking great right now. A blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. Elegant cherry red color, with expressive notes of red fruits (strawberry and raspberry). Mellow tannins, well-balanced on the palate. I feel I need to point out the freshness, it is bright and lively on the palate, something we don’t see a lot of in this region. This also makes it extremely food friendly as it can hold up to fatty proteins.
Very good with white meat, red meat, charcuterie and cheese.