Munjebel Red 2021

Munjebel Rouge 2021

Frank Cornelissen

Rich, fragrant, with beautifully melted tannins and the smoothness of ripe fruit, Munjebel Rouge is a classic, classified as DOP Etna Rosso or IGP Terre Siciliane Nerello Mascalese. Among Frank Cornelissen's wines, this one best represents the typical character of the northern Etna valley. “A rich and fragrant wine of pure Nerello Mascalese,” explains Frank Cornelissen, “from different vineyards, partly from our best plots where we produce our crus (Zottorinoto-Chiusa Spagnolo, Feudo di Mezzo-Sottana and Porcaria) as well as from the vineyards designated for this specific wine (Rampante Sottana, Piano Daini and Crasà). Classic, traditional, with tannins and a sweetness of ripe fruit. My vision of a traditional, balanced and rich wine from the northern valley of Etna.” Munjebel red is a true bouquet of wild red fruits, aromatic and balanced, carrying all the crunch of ripe fruit, with a Pinot Noir side and a bright translucent color. It is vinified with indigenous yeasts, without additives or sulfites, unclarified and minimally filtered before bottling.

To find out more
A major figure and universally respected figure in natural wine, Frank Cornelissen is a classic. This man of constant questioning lives in human and cosmic resonance with his contrasting terroir: he has demonstrated that the powerful minerality of a great volcanic soil could be highlighted by the naturalness of his wines. The brilliance, the directness and the exquisite fruitiness of his vintages earn him the admiration even of those reluctant to accept "natural". They are good introductory wines.
His Sicilian azienda is located in Passopisciaro, in the north of the Etna valley. It is, he says, the "côte de Nuits" of Etna for the great diversity of its wines spread over many locations (contrade) at different altitudes. The climate is continental and harsh, even snowy in winter, but very warm and sunny from June to September. The altitude gives the wines tension and elegance. The vines coexist with a Mediterranean mixed crop: olive trees, almond trees, vegetable gardens... (Frank also produces olive oil). The vines range in age from forty to over one hundred years. The nineteen plots, covering twenty-four hectares in total, are all at altitude, between 600 and 900 meters, on several volcanic flows. They are all vinified separately: Frank decides on the blend based on the quality of the wines from each plot. In general, seven or eight vintages are produced in addition to the generic wines (rosé, basic red, and white). The soils are made of different types of basalt, between powder and rock, with perfect drainage that allows for concentrated and refined wines. Nerello Mascalese dominates the estate's grape varieties. This great traditional red grape variety from the northern valley of Etna is the only grape variety used in the great vintages. Its growing cycle is long, allowing the vine to work the soil and capture its minerality in the fruit. Other grape varieties include: Nerello Cappuccio, Minella Bianco, Minella Nera, Alicante Bouschet, Malvasia, Cattaratto, Moscadella, Grecanico Dorato, Carricante, etc.