Tornatore Etna Rosato 2020 (Sicily, Italy)
Tasted: January 8, 2023
Region: Etna, Sicily, Italy
Confession: no matter how hard the industry pushes us to drink rosé all year, it won’t change my tendency to uncork an ice-cold pink drink on a hot summer day over a cold winter evening. Until, of course, an exception was made.
It was cold, dark, and I happened to be scrolling through photos from my summer 2022 vacation in Puglia while waiting for some friends to arrive at my apartment. I noticed my memories of this magnificent Adriatic coastal paradise fading, and began searching, frantically, for something that can help me hold on to this past time. A quick visit to my wine shelf proved how little Italian wines I possess, and the only bottle I could find was a Rosé from Etna, Sicily produced by a winery that I used to work with, and one that I love dearly, Tornatore. A region close enough to Puglia, I suppose.
The wines of Etna are made from grapes grown on volcanic soils, which imparts an irresistible minerality that is unique to this region. Made from 100% nerello mascalese, this rosé sees a pale salmon colour that is certainly on trend, with fresh aromas of strawberry, cotton candy, sea spray, lake breeze, fresh herbs, and a touch of freshly-grated lemon zests. It reminds me a little like the small bits of dried strawberries that we would find in certain breakfast cereals. On the palate, the wine is lean, yet with tremendous flavour intensity and a lovely fruit weight. It plays in harmony with its bright acid, subtle tannins, and moderate alcohol. A highly enjoyable wine down to the last drop.
90/100
