History
Early 20th century
The wine estate was founded on the slopes of Mount Etna in the early 20th century. Its later custodians included the historic Castrogiovanni lineage and their heirs, the Bambara–De Luca family.
2022: the Tommasi family arrives in Sicily
In 2022, the Tommasi family entered Sicily through an agreement with the Bambara–De Luca family, historic hoteliers in Taormina. The families described their relationship as grounded in a shared outlook on family cohesion, enterprise, hospitality and the enhancement of Etna and its resources.
At the time of the announcement, the property had not yet received its new name. It comprised 15 hectares at 570 metres above sea level in Linguaglossa, within the Etna Natural Park. The vineyards were planted with Nerello Mascalese and Carricante for Etna Rosso DOC and Etna Bianco DOC. The property also included a 1,500 m² winery for vinification and ageing.
The project gave the Tommasi family an Etna presence alongside its work in other Italian wine territories. Pierangelo Tommasi presented the investment as part of the family's ambition to interpret Italy through its wine heritage and identified Etna as significant from both production and commercial perspectives.
2025: the Ammura identity and first release
The estate was formally presented as Ammura on 19 March 2025. Its location was identified more precisely as Contrada Alboretto–Chiuse del Signore in the municipality of Linguaglossa. The 15 hectares were described as partly owned and partly leased from Tenuta Chiuse del Signore of the Bambara–De Luca family, heirs of the Castrogiovanni lineage.
The inaugural production comprised Ammura Etna Bianco DOC, made entirely from Carricante, with 12,500 bottles, and Ammura Etna Rosso DOC, made entirely from Nerello Mascalese, with 10,300 bottles. The accompanying identity drew upon the feminine symbolism of Etna, the Arabic origin of the name Ammura and the archetype of the Enchantress. Prickly pear and dandelion motifs, tactile materials, restrained silhouettes and deep colours were chosen to evoke lava, dark earth and a landscape shaped by fire and wind.
Giancarlo Tommasi, Technical Director of Tommasi Family Estates, framed Ammura as a new chapter for the family: an interpretation intended to respect Etna's identity while combining the mountain's volcanic character with the family's artisanal experience. The initial production was deliberately limited as part of the pursuit of a clearly defined identity and quality.
2026: expansion of the range
In February 2026, Ammura returned to Wine Paris and introduced Liuni Etna Rosso DOC, presented as a new expression of Etna within the project.
Terroir
Location and landscape
Ammura occupies 15 hectares in Contrada Alboretto–Chiuse del Signore, within the municipality of Linguaglossa on Mount Etna. The estate lies at 570 metres above sea level in the heart of the Etna Natural Park, a few kilometres from Taormina.
The vineyards face a landscape defined by Mount Etna and broad views towards the sea. Mountain and maritime influences meet at the property, where sea breezes contribute to a ventilated growing environment. A large natural lava-stone formation called Pietracannone is a prominent feature of the site.
Soils and microclimate
The vines grow in rich volcanic, lava-derived soils. The estate links these soils with the mineral and fresh character sought in its wines. The mountain environment provides favourable day–night temperature changes, while ventilation supports grape health.
Conditions recorded during the 2025 season illustrate the site's climatic dynamics: a relatively rainy winter replenished water reserves in the volcanic soils; a mild, regular spring supported balanced vegetative development; and ventilation together with diurnal temperature variation helped preserve healthy fruit.
Winemaking
Nerello Mascalese and Carricante are cultivated on the estate's volcanic soils at 570 metres above sea level. The 2025 growing season began with a relatively rainy winter, which enabled the lava soils to build water reserves. A mild and regular spring then encouraged balanced vegetative growth. Ventilation and favourable day–night temperature changes supported excellent grape health. The season was expected to produce fruit capable of retaining the freshness, mineral character and territorial definition associated with the estate's lava soils.
Ammura has a 1,500 m² winery dedicated to vinification and ageing. The facility was already present when the Tommasi family's investment was announced in 2022.
The estate's inaugural release was intentionally limited: 12,500 bottles of Etna Bianco DOC made entirely from Carricante and 10,300 bottles of Etna Rosso DOC made entirely from Nerello Mascalese. Precision and attentive handling are central to the cellar's stated purpose, with the goal of translating the identity of Etna into wines of clearly defined character.
Philosophy
Ammura's stated vision is to bring together two worlds: the volcanic power of Etna and the experience of the Tommasi estates. Past and future are conceived as a single voice, symbolised by an Enchantress who celebrates the connection between earth, fire and vine.
The project seeks to share the character of Linguaglossa and Mount Etna through wines understood as narratives of a living territory. Its imagery treats Etna as A’ Muntagna, a powerful feminine presence—a generous but unpredictable mother whose rhythms shape both land and life.
Giancarlo Tommasi describes the approach as one of embracing the mountain's vital energy while respecting its identity. The intended result is an artisanal, uncompromising interpretation of the territory, supported by limited production and a sustained focus on quality and a recognisable estate identity.