Munjebel Rosso 'CD' Frank Cornelissen 2020
ArtisanalFrank Cornelissen's Munjebel Rosso "CD" is an elegant Nerello Mascalese from the Sicilian volcano, Etna, sourced from the skeleton-rich vineyards of Calderara Sottana. Cornelissen's artisanal sensibilities are energizing the Etnean wine movement, thanks in part to Munjebel, which is now a cult wine. The nose reveals intense aromas of red fruits along with intriguing hints of peach skin, balsamic hints of aniseed then open the scene to typical mineral hints of flint. On the palate finesse, savoriness and persistence are worthy companions to the wine's monumental mineral profile, the protagonist of a unique experience
The producer Frank Cornelissen presents the Rosso Munjbel ‘CD’, a Nerello Mascalese with a memorable floral and mineral aromatic profile that reflects the character of its prestigious district: Calderara Sottana. Of Belgian origin, Frank Cornelissen has established himself for the artisanal and high-quality style of his production since he embarked on his winemaking adventure in the early 2000s in Castiglione di Sicilia, on the northern slope of the volcano. Respect for the environment has always been an essential prerequisite for Frank, a value pursued by excluding any treatment with synthetic chemical products.
The Rosso Munjbel ‘CD’ by Frank Cornelissen is made from only Nerello Mascalese grapes grown within the Calderara Sottana district, in the municipality of Randazzo. The vines, over 40 years old, rest on skeleton-rich soils facing north and located at an altitude of 610 meters above sea level. After manual harvesting, the grapes undergo destemming and light crushing, followed by the start of alcoholic fermentation which is achieved thanks to indigenous yeasts through the pied de cuve technique. The skin maceration lasts for a full 60 days, after which the mass begins its maturation period of 18 months in neutral fiberglass tanks with a capacity of 1,200 to 2,500 liters. The final market release occurs after an additional 18 months of aging in bottle.
The color of the Frank Cornelissen Munjbel ‘CD’ is bright ruby red. The complex and fascinating nose is articulated with aromas of red fruits, peach skin, orange zest, geranium, and rose that meet balsamic sensations of anise and mineral memories of flint. On the palate, it is elegant and fine, with crunchy freshness accompanied by integrated tannins in a persistent salty finish.