Introducing Tornatore to our Italian portfolio
The addition of Tornatore to our portfolio marks an important expansion of our Italian offering with one of Etna DOC’s most established and respected estates.
Situated on the dramatic northern slopes of Mount Etna, Tornatore is a historic family estate with roots dating back to 1865. Over time, the family has evolved from traditional mixed farming into one of Etna DOC’s most established producers. Today, Tornatore cultivates over 100 hectares of vineyards alongside olive groves and hazelnut orchards, drawing on Etna’s complex volcanic soils and varied exposures to produce captivating wines that truly reflect the character of the region.
Etna has emerged as one of Italy’s most exciting fine wine regions, frequently described by leading commentators Jancis Robinson and Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate as “the Burgundy of Sicily”. Tornatore sits at the heart of this story, offering wines that capture the character of Etna while remaining immediately appealing and highly drinkable.
A historic estate with an innovative philosophy
“Tornatore brings everything we were looking for in a modern Etna producer,” says Jean Wareing MW, Head of Buying at Alliance. “These are wines with appealing depth of fruit, balance and purity, without the extremes of tannin or savoury minerality that can sometimes limit Etna’s appeal. They offer great drinkability, at prices that represent outstanding value, so we’re excited to start building their presence in the UK.”
The first wines to launch in the UK market are Tornatore’s Etna Bianco and Etna Rosso. Both wines stand out for being unmistakably Etna in style, yet retain approachability—combining vibrant fruit, supple tannins and refined volcanic structure—making them particularly well-suited to both on-trade and retail environments.
Exceptional value and consistency in Etna DOC
Crucially, Tornatore offers some of the keenest pricing in the category for Etna DOC wines, delivering exceptional quality against a backdrop of rising demand and increasing price pressure across the region. With Tornatore’s extensive holdings of vineyards and other agriculture, it is larger than many Etna estates – a significant advantage in a challenging and volatile growing environment. This scale enables the team to manage challenges more effectively, ensuring greater consistency in quality and reducing price fluctuations year-on-year.
The vineyards are planted on complex volcanic soils across several historic plots, where distinct geological features, wide diurnal temperature shifts and lava-rich terrain shape the wines. Native varieties such as Carricante, Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio thrive in these unique conditions.
Tornatore’s respect for the land is matched by a firm commitment to sustainability. The estate follows environmentally sensitive farming practices, uses renewable energy at the winery, and is fully certified by both VIVA and SOStain, reinforcing its long-term commitment to environmental responsibility and preservation.
The initial range available from Alliance includes:
- Etna Bianco DOC – vibrant, mineral-driven Carricante with citrus, white stone fruit and lifted freshness
- Etna Rosso DOC – refined and expressive, with red berry fruit, supple tannins and depth without heaviness
The initial range of Tornatore wines are now available. For more information, samples or pricing, please get in touch with your sales representative or contact us here.
