Terre Siciliane IGT Munjebel FM Frank Cornelissen 2016

Lot presentation

Terre Siciliane IGT Munjebel FM Frank Cornelissen 2016

The wine

A single-parcel cuvée made from a parcel found at 580m of altitude, one of the lowest of the domain. The vines grow in a volcanic terroir made up of basalt, allowing for excellent drainage. This cuvée is made using the domain’s landmark grape variety, Nerello Mascalese, which here is a little more delicate than in the other cuvées. The harvests are carried out by hand and the grapes collected only at full maturity. Fermentation is instigated by the pied de cuve method, meaning that indigenous yeasts are used. The wine is matured in epoxy steel containers, allowing the wine to conserve its fruit and lightness. It is not fined, and only lightly filtered. This wine has a crimson colour with a nose of intense red fruits. This is probably the domain’s most delicate cuvée in terms of both structure and tannin. It will improve after a few years in the cellar. It can be served alongside a poultry dish or any other delicate, white meat.

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.