Tornatore

Giuseppe Tornatore's family history in Sicily dates back to the 17th century. This Carricante comes from terraced vineyards around 650m in Etna's volcanic northern slope. This blend of nerello mascalese and nerello cappuccio came from Castiglione di Sicilia. After destemming and partially crushing, these macerated and fermented in concrete tanks over 12 days, before pressing into large wooden barrels for 6 months aging, followed by 3 more months in bottle. Wild flowers, wild raspberry, mustard seed and a noticeable oxidative note flood the lifted palate, bedded with cherry leather and lined with long, lithe tannins. This slight red is lit with buzzy acidity throughout to the persistent saline finish. Pork chops and/or wild mushroom ragout would suit.

Aromas of red berry, rose, thyme and a whiff of camphor shape the fragrant nose. Sleek and graceful, the lithe, savory palate delivers juicy strawberry, crushed raspberry, Mediterranean herbs and white pepper framed in glossy tannins and fresh acidity. A mineral note evoking smoky flint lingers on the finish. Kerin O’Keefe