Terre Siciliane IGT Munjebel CR Frank Cornelissen 2016

Lot presentation

Terre Siciliane IGT Munjebel CR Frank Cornelissen 2016

The wine

A single parcel cuvée made specifically from the Campo Re parcel in the west of the vineyard, at 735m of altitude. The Nerello Mascalese variety thrives especially well in these deep, volcanic soils. The vines are over 70 years old and come from massal selection. Some of them are not grafted, a rare occurrence in Europe. The harvests are undertaken by hand, and only when the grapes are perfectly ripe – a complicated selection process during particularly humid years. The fermentation process begins with the pied-de-cuve method, a technique that allows producers to work with indigenous yeasts whilst reducing the risks that can come with undesirable yeasts. The wine is matured in inert containers to conserve the varietal aromas and avoid woody notes. This cuvée has a deep hue and an aromatic nose. It gives off a delicious bouquet of cherries, raspberries and spices. Its palate is flavourful and silky with irresistible tannins. This wine can easily wait for around 15 years in the cellar. It is best paired with any kind of red meat 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.