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
Roland Champion Champagne Non Vintage Brut Rose Carat (magnum) is made from 33% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Meunier and 33% Pinot Noir
The Champagne rose shows an orange salmon color coming from the red wine base. The pinot meunier brings red fruit aromas of strawberry and raspberry with hints of spices. The palate is juicy and harmonious with good depth and minerality. A delicate balance between Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir.
It is a blend of 93% White juice (made from 33% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Meunier and 33% Pinot Noir) and 7% Pinot Noir red wine. The grapes used to produce the Coteaux Champenois red wine are coming from their vineyards near the Village of Verneuil.
Review:
"Eye of the partridge color. With a bouquet that evokes leesy hints of red cherry and berry with a touch of stone fruit, this is a finely sculpted wine, beautifully balanced with rich flavors of cherry, shortbread,and a hint of honeyed apricot. A rosé Champagne that’s complex and dry with good palate depth and length. A blend of 20% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, and 40% Pinot Meunier; 7-85% of the juice is red wine (Pinot Noir) from 2013 vintage of Coteaux Champenois Rouge from the village of Verneuil. 3+ years on the lees." - I-WineReview (Champagne: Diversity and Change, January 2020), 92 pts
"A delicate, subtle Champagne, delivering aromatic notes of mulling spices and yeast that accent the flavors of kirsch, bread dough, candied lemon zest and rose petal. This is finely tuned, with lively acidity and a minerally finish. 330 cases made. –AN"
- Wine Spectator , 91 pts
"Bright orange. Aromas of blood orange, dried rose, allspice and minerals, with a subtle note of anise. Juicy and precise, with very good depth to its spicy red berry and citrus pith flavors. Finishes smooth and long, with excellent clarity and lingering spiciness."
- Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar , 91 pts
"Champion is a small grower in Chouilly, in the Cotes des Blancs, an area known for fantastic chardonnay. This rosé — of which he makes only about 330 cases — includes 10 percent red wines (pinot noir, pinot meunier) to give it a pale, salmonlike color and a beguiling palate of cranberries, strawberries and currants. Wow. And yum."
- Washington Post, ***
Thorn Clarke Milton Park Shiraz is aged for 12 months in American oak barrels.
Deep red color. The wine is deep and rich smelling with dark fruits, plums and spice with some good oak. There is very rich fruit on the palate with plums, blackberry and sweet spice from the oak. The palate is vibrant and young with a flavorsome viscous mouthfeel which will develop complexity with time. There are some slightly chewy tannins which will soften with time and there is great length of fruit flavor.