The Torre Mora Scalunera Etna Bianco Doc is a GIWC top 20 winner from Sicily, Italy. It is a bold and nimble wine that is grown in the volcanic soils of a dedicated UNESCO Heritage Site in Castiglione di Sicilia.
Torre Mora is a small hands winery, that was purchased by the Piccini family in 2016. Home to 13 hectares of land on the northeastern slopes of Mount Etna, the winery is passionate about producing wine that tells the story of ancient native grapes that thrive on the microclimate slopes of the active volcano. The philosophy that embodies this is ‘one grape one territory’.
The uniqueness of Torre Mora wine comes from the volcanic landscape. Mount Etna is the most active volcano in the world with its continuous eruptions consistently depositing ash into the soil, it is loose and fertile. The bush vines are then grown in terraces of black volcanic stones, filled with these mineral-rich soils and is where the name Scalunera comes from, as it means staircase in Sicilian. The volcanic landscape allows for balanced sugar content in the grapes, and equilibrium in the acid and alcohol content in the wine. Sicily has impressive varying daily temperatures that produce grapes with thick skin, a strong aroma and phenolic complexity. There is also a long growing season due to good ventilation and free-draining soils in the area.
Tasting notes for the Etna Bianco are its “Bold and nimble style, with fresh, white fruit and herb aromas. Rich flavour that springs up with lively acidity, a fresh and salty, mineral essence that lingers on the finish. It is long, persistent and sapid. Its distinct volcanic minerality, salinity and lemon notes bring a beach-reminiscent vibe that is supported by a remarkable concentration.” Said Lorenzo Pollara Milazzo.
As a foodie wine, a bottle of Scalunera Etna Bianco is best paired with seafood, anything grilled or even better, on pasta. It is also best served within three years of its harvest, as the fruit is susceptible to changes. The structure and acidity of the wine is not altered, but the extreme freshness in a bottle first-year post-harvest is the researched style the Scalunera seeks.
Etna was until recently still considered a rather niche wine market. But with critics beginning to celebrate the category's quality and uniqueness, it is the perfect ‘trendy’ wine. It is great for anyone interested in high-quality white wine.
FAST FACTS:
Winery Name: Torre Mora
Location: Castiglione di Sicilia
Region & Country: Sicily, Italy
Grape Variety/Varieties: Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, Carricante
'Fun Fact' about the wine/winery/winemaker? Torre Mora received a historical result at the IWC London, the 2018 Etna rosé made from Nerello Mascalese took the International Rosé Trophy, with an impressive 96 points.
