Overview:
The Frank Cornelissen 2019 MunJebel Rosso is a remarkable wine that captures the essence of Mount Etna’s volcanic terroir. Made from 100% Nerello Mascalese, the grapes are sourced from vines over 60 years old, ensuring a wine with complexity and depth. Frank Cornelissen, a pioneer in the modern Sicilian wine scene, employs a minimal intervention approach, allowing the pure character of the land and fruit to shine through. Fermented in epoxy-lined vessels to avoid external flavour influence, this wine is a celebration of the purity and precision that Mount Etna wines are known for. With a commitment to low crop levels and meticulous harvesting, the MunJebel Rosso stands as a testament to Cornelissen’s ethos of ‘purity by a purist’, offering a wine that embodies both the elegance and structure of Nerello Mascalese.
Tasting Notes:
The 2019 MunJebel Rosso presents an enticing bouquet of cherry, black tea, and subtle smoky notes, all balanced with the mineral intensity characteristic of Mount Etna’s volcanic soils. On the palate, the wine is rich and detailed, with vibrant flavours of dark fruit and a touch of spice that evolve seamlessly. The tannins are present but fine, providing structure without overpowering the wine’s finesse. The finish is grippy and mineral-driven, with a lingering freshness that speaks to the high-altitude vineyards where these ancient vines are grown. With its combination of fruit intensity, smoky nuances, and vibrant minerality, this wine is a refined and structured expression of its volcanic origin, perfect for pairing with a variety of rich and earthy dishes.