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44 products
44 products
Munjebel CS Red 2020
Cornelissen
Munjebel CS is a natural single-plot red cuvée made from 100% Nerello Mascalese, biodynamic and organic (Eurofeuille label). It is produced by Frank Cornelissen in the DOP (AOP) Etna Rosso/IGP Terre Siciliane Nerello Mascalese. The grapes come from the Zottorinoto contrada and the Chiusa Spagnolo plot, towards the bottom of the valley, in a lava rock amphitheater at a relatively low altitude (620 m). This is a unique, ungrafted vineyard, planted around 1925.
Vinification
The Munjebel CS harvest is destemmed and lightly crushed. Fermentation, using a vat base and indigenous yeasts, is accompanied by a 50-day skin maceration. No fining, light filtration before bottling.
Tasting
The Chiusa Spagnolo plot produces a deep and tannic wine, a little behind the other crus of the contrada and reminiscent of the varietal typicity of Nebbiolo. The color is slightly less intense than that of the other reds of the estate and the wine is a little slower to express itself. You will pair it with meats, charcuterie and Mediterranean dishes. Also try it with a roast pigeon from Bresse (Pierre-Eudes Quintart) or from Brittany (Volailles Renault).
Learn more about Frank Cornelissen
A key and universally respected figure in natural, organic and biodynamic wine, the Belgian Frank Cornelissen, a winemaker conquered by Sicily, is a classic. This man of constant questioning lives in human and cosmic resonance with his terroir: he has demonstrated that the powerful minerality of a great volcanic soil could be highlighted by the naturalness of his wines.
An ideal terroir for plot-by-plot vinification
In Passopisciaro, Sicily, in the north of the Etna valley, the 19 plots cover 24 hectares of basalt soils spread over numerous localities (contrade) between 600 and 900 meters above sea level on the side of the volcano. It is, says Frank Cornelissen, the "Night Coast of Sicily". Frank Cornelissen's contrade are all cultivated biodynamically and vinified separately: he decides on the blends based on the quality of each.
The nobility of Nerello Mascalese
Nerello Mascalese is the dominant variety and alone makes up the greatest vintages. This traditional red grape variety from the northern Etna valley produces hypermineral wines due to its long growing cycle. Other grape varieties in the azienda: Nerello Capuccio, Minella Bianco, Minella Nera, Alicante Bouschet, Malvasia, Catarratto, Moscadella, Grecanico Dorato, Carricante…
Magnum Munjebel MC 2016
Frank Cornelissen
This pure Nerello Mascalese comes from the Contrada Monte Colla, a very steep, terraced plot with magnificent sun and wind exposure, directly opposite Mount Etna. The soil is sandy clay. The vines, planted in 1946, produce a rich, powerful, and elegant wine. It's a bit like Etna's hermitage. The harvest is destemmed and lightly crushed, then macerated for sixty days. No fining, filtration before bottling.
Natural wine with no added sulfites.
Magnum Munjebel PA Red 2016
Frank Cornelissen
This pure Nerello Mascalese comes from the plot of old vines (sixty years old) called Porcaria, in the Contrada Feudo di Mezzo, at an altitude of 640 meters. Maturation is not facilitated by the depth of the soil in the case of a wet vintage, but what a reward upon tasting! Power, refined elegance, an accomplished wine.
Natural wine with no added sulfites.
Magnum Munjebel VA White 2017
From the Vigne Alte, the highest plots on the estate, this white is harvested between 900 and 1,000 meters above sea level on ungrafted vines. It is composed of Grecanico Dorato (60%), Carricante (10%), and Coda di Volpe (30%). Depth, density, acidity, minerality, and texture: a supremely elegant white wine, to be paired with the finest seafood.
Natural wine with no added sulfites.
Where?
Frank Cornelissen's winery is located in the northern Etna Valley. He calls it the "Côte de Nuits" of Etna, due to the great diversity of its wines, spread across numerous locations (contrade) at different altitudes. The climate is continental, harsh and snowy in winter, but very warm and sunny from June to September.
Frank Cornelissen is a classic. The brilliance, straightforwardness, and exquisite fruitiness of his wines earn him the admiration even of those who are averse to "natural" wines. They are good introductory wines.
Terroir and Soils
The plots are all at altitude, between 600 and 900 meters, on several volcanic flows. The soils are composed of different types of basalt, ranging from powder to rock, with perfect drainage that allows for concentrated and refined wines to which the altitude also lends tension and elegance. The vines coexist with a Mediterranean mixed crop: olive trees, almond trees, vegetable gardens, etc. (Frank also produces olive oil).
Plots and Grape Varieties
The estate has 19 plots across 24 hectares of vineyard, all vinified separately. Frank decides on the blend based on the quality of the wines from each plot. Generally, seven or eight vintages are produced, in addition to the generic wines (rosé, basic red, and white). The vines range in age from forty to over one hundred years.
Nerello Mascalese dominates. This great traditional red grape variety from the northern valley of Etna is featured as a single varietal in the great vintages. The length of its growing cycle allows the vine to work the soil and capture its mineral content in the fruit. Other grape varieties: Nerello Cappuccio, Minella Bianco, Minella Nera, Alicante Bouschet, Malvasia, Catarratto, Moscadella, Grecanico Dorato, Carricante, etc.
Growing Methods
Certified organic viticulture, with some biodynamic preparations (homeopathy) in special cases. Yields are low: 25 to 40 hl/ha depending on the plot. The harvest, relatively late (from October to early November depending on the plot), is carried out at good ripeness (phenolic ripeness), never underripe.
Vinification
The bunches are destemmed, and the must is transported gently. Fermentation, often in terracotta jars buried in lava soils, is long, with macerations lasting 1 to 2 months and daily crushing. Aging takes place in epoxy vats (no wood in the cellar). A little sulfur may be added depending on the vintage and the wine's needs. Filtration is done before bottling through 5-micron sieves for the reds and 1-micron sieves for the rosé and white.
The Wines
A man of constant questioning, Frank lives in human and cosmic resonance with his contrasting terroir: he has demonstrated that the powerful minerality of a great volcanic soil can be enhanced by the naturalness of his wines.
Frank Cornelissen's wines are characterized by their elegance and power, while possessing a light color and very fine tannins. According to Frank, Nerello Mascalese is a great grape variety that stands on its own. The basic reds (cuvée Susucaru rosso), at 8-10°C, are delicious with grilled fish, especially young. The crus (Contadino, Magma, Munjebel) go better with meat or pasta.
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