Terre Siciliane IGT Munjebel CS Frank Cornelissen 2012

Lot presentation

Terre Siciliane IGT Munjebel CS Frank Cornelissen 2012

The wine

This single-parcel 100% Nerello Mascalese comes from the Chiusa Spagnola parcel, perched at over 600m of altitude in the Etna valley. The vines are over 80 years old and from massal selection. They grow in a volcanic terroir, perfect for the thriving of the local varieties. The harvests are carried out by hand and fermentation begins with the pied-de-cuve method, a technique allowing the producer to work with indigenous yeasts whilst controlling their development. The wine is not fined and only lightly filtered. It is matured in inert containers that allow a micro-oxygenation without spoiling the wine. The result is splendid. It has a deep, ruby colour with a deliciously fruity nose. It oscillates between notes of cherry, spices and violet. Almost like a Nebbiolo, the Nerello Mascalese has noble and intense tannins. On the palate, we rediscover the aromatics of the nose. This wine can stay in the cellar for ten or even fifteen years. You can trust in this wine to pair wonderfully with any Italian dish.

Located in Sicily, Domaine Frank Cornelissen was founded in 2001 and spans around 24 hectares of land between 650 and 980m of altitude, including 2 hectares for growing olive trees (for making olive oil) and buckwheat. The main grape varieties grown here are Nerello Mascalese, Allicante-Bouschet, Minella Nera, Uva Francese, Nerello Capuccio, Minella Bianca and Inzolia for the reds, and Carricante, Grecanico Dorato and Coda di Volpe for the whites. Ideally situated, this domain is very natural in its methods. The use of additives is avoided apart from sulphur in the more complicated vintages. Yields are limited and harvesting takes place quite late in order to obtain optimal maturity in the grapes. Work in the winery is careful, with maturation taking place in terracotta pots. These wines express their terroir and strong personality wonderfully.