2012 Frank Cornelissen - MunJebel Rosso 9 Vigne Alte (93 pts)

- Medium- ruby color. Pronounced intensity on the nose. Bright red fruit of raspberry, sour cherry, and red currant. Extremely floral showing violets and lilacs. Finally strong mineral aromas of wet rock and chalk. High acidity, medium silky and fine grained tannins, high alcohol but well integrated, and medium+ body. The palate is similar to the nose. The ripe raspberry and red currant preserves throughout. The mid palate highlights the chalky texture. The flowers come across as more dried like potpourri combined with rocks on the long finish. This wine is gorgeous! In previous vintages I have noticed a lot of variation and funk, but this is superb. My favorite of the Cru bottlings, by far the most elegant. You had my high altitude and 80+ year old ungrafted vines. Well done.

 2012 Frank Cornelissen - MunJebel Rosso 9 Vigne Alte (93

Blind Nerello Mascalese Tasting - 7 wines, but sadly 1 was corked. Stacked rank in my order of preference, not the group. Needless to say Tenuta delle Terre Nere scored really well. Guardiola Contrada really opened up nicely over the tasting and was very elegant. Santo Spirito a close 2nd was more brooding and needs more time. My number 3, but group number 1 was the basic etna rosso. It really showed well very bright red fruit and well balanced. Allegracore was fairly dark in comparison to the others. I will say if Vigo was in this lineup, I think it would have done very well. Passorosso (recently renamed) tasted as a base etna rosso, pleasant but more on the sour side of red fruit with cranberry and red currant. Munjebel is a wine I can call blind almost every time. While I respect natural wine philosophy it doesn't matter if the wine doesn't taste good. All of that being said his contradas have given me amazing glimpses into his madness at times.

 Blind Nerello Mascalese Tasting - 7 wines, but sadly 1 was

2012 Frank Cornelissen - MunJebel Rosso CS (90 pts)

ℹ️ This bottle is technically labeled as a Terre Siciliane IGT in this vintage, but post 2015 is being labeled as Etna Rosso DOP. CS stands for Chiusa Spagnolo which is a single vineyard of ungrafted (aka ownrooted) 💯 Nerello Mascalese that was planted in the 1920s.This vineyard is located in Contrada Zottorinoto which is the name of a specific lava flow on the North side of Mt Etna 🌋. This Contrada is only 620m above sea level, which is considered low elevation for Mt Etna. Chiusa Spagnolo forms a bowl or amphitheatre that has a wall of lava isolating it from the rest of the Contrada creating a unique micro climate·

👀 Medium ruby color with a slight garnet rim, very noticeable tears on the side of the glass·

👃 Medium+ intensity on the nose. Aromas of raspberry, red plum, juniper, violets, thyme, and tilled earth. I will note that I am getting some Volatile Acidity, but it is lifting the aromatics and not over the top·

👅 The wine is dry. Medium+ acidity. Medium+ alcohol and despite the bottle saying 15% ABV, it doesn't feel hot🔥. Medium+ furry tannins that coat the teeth. Medium+ body. Similar notes on the palate as the nose. Additionally there is a wet rock mineral flavor that is quite pervasive and a funky low sulphur yeasty note, especially on the back palate. The finish is long and the floral and juniper flavors ride that wave·

🔔 Overall this is a very complex wine with a lot going on. This is powerful and ripe which represents the 2012 vintage on Mt Etna. If you don't like a touch of volatile acidity or natural wine funk then this is probably not for you. Personally, I can tolerate the former more than the latter. This is still evolving and can be cellared for at least a decade. If I had to choose a MunJebel Cru, Vigna Alta (VA) is still my favorite·

 2012 Frank Cornelissen - MunJebel Rosso CS (90 pts)

Agile and lively, lighter and more delicate than previous vintages 🌋🍇 Frank Cornelissen states: “skincontact for texture and territorial identity, malolactic fermentation fully finished for density, fluidity and stability.

Fermentation begins with a pied-de-cuve using only indigenous yeasts and skin contact for about 10 days, aged in 2500 liters to 7000 liter neutral epoxy tanks.

Ruby coral in colour, with aromas of mandarin orange, red apple, strawberry, cinnamon, clove, smoky earth and a trace of licorice.

Red currant, pomegranate, wild raspberry, red apple, hibiscus along with a shake of black pepper and a wisp of smoke are glossed by bright acidity.

Tangy red fruit and vein of tarry earth linger between each sip.

Blend of Malvasia, Moscadella, Cattaratto, Nerello Mascalese

Frank Cornelissen ‘Susucaru’ Rosato Terre Siciliane IGP 2018

 Agile and lively, lighter and more delicate than previous

Aromas of rose, candied orange, Morello cherry, raspberry and Brothers Johnson funk.

Morello cherry, blackberry, orange, red apple, pomegranate, crushed white peppercorn and hibiscus are framed by fresh acidity and light, grippy tannins.

A vein of lead minerality runs thru to the dry, fruity finish.

Vibrant, engaging and delightfully gluggable.

Frank Cornelissen ‘Susucaru’ Terre Siciliane Rosato IGP 2016

 Aromas of rose, candied orange, Morello cherry, raspberry

From a single, ungrafted vineyard planted in 1925 in contrada Zottorinoto, Chiusa Spagnolo cru on the lower in the valley floor [620 meters in elevation] in an amphitheater, surrounded by lava.

Destemmed, light crushing, native yeasts fermentation started with pied-de-cuve, 60 day skin contact. Aged in neutral epoxy tanks, unfined.

Transparent garnet in colour, with radiant aromas of cinnamon, coriander, rose petal, orange zest, smoky earth, black cherry, strawberry, sweet pine, black pepper.

Sleek layers of blood orange, blackberry, pomegranate, cranberry, cherry, sweet pine and fresh acidity glide atop smoky earth and fine grain tannins.

Orange, cinnamon, black currant, rose petal and black pepper linger between each mighty sip.

Frank Cornelissen ‘Munjebel CS’ Terre Siciliane IGP 2017

 From a single, ungrafted vineyard planted in 1925 in

From pioneering Belgian winemaker Frank Cornelissen , on the north slope of Mount Etna in Sicily. ‘Susucaru Rosso’ is the re-named ‘Contadino’.

With a vision of crafting “liquid rock”, he does not use any treatments of any type in the vineyards, nor does he add anything, including sulphur, during the winemaking process.

Vines are an average 50 years in age. Fermented with indigenous yeasts and skin contact for about 60 days, aged in neutral epoxy tanks 2500 liters to 7000 liters.

Ruby-garnet in colour, very aromatic, with cinnamon, clove, star anise, orange peel, cherry, plum, red flowers, smoke and tarry earth.

Bright pomegranate, wild raspberry, sour cherry, blackberry, tangerine, clove, black pepper and earth are wrapped in smoke and complimented by fresh acidity and grippy tannins.

Tangy fruit, cinnamon, orange peel, peppery spice and smoke saturate the plush finish.

Blend of Nerello Mascalese 85%, Nerello Capuccio, Minella Nera, Allicante Bouschet, Minella Bianco

Frank Cornelissen ‘Susucaru Rosso’ Nerello Mascalese Terre Siciliane IGP 2017

 From pioneering Belgian winemaker Frank Cornelissen , on

“to produce whilst also returning, evolving towards equilibrium of the land”  - pioneering, iconic Etna winemaker Frank Cornelissen

Vines are 60+ years in age, in Passopisciaro, in the Porcaria cru located in the Feudo di Mezzo contrada, at 640 meters in elevation. Grapes are destemmed and lightly crushed, fermentation with pied-de-cuve with “indigenous yeasts and skin contact for about 60 days”.

Aged in 1500-2500 liter neutral epoxy tanks. Unfined. 2000 bottles made.

Garnet in colour, very aromatic; with cinnamon, orange, clove, pine, smoky earth, black cherry, strawberry , violet and crushed black peppercorn.

Black cherry, strawberry, smoky earth, roasted chipotle, candied ginger and fresh acidity glide over a framework of grippy tannins. Pomegranate, clove, crushed black peppercorn, wisp of campfire smoke, pine and grilled rosemary infuse the velveteen finish.

Frank Cornelissen ‘Munjebel Rosso PA’ Terre Siciliane IGP 2017

 “to produce whilst also returning, evolving towards

“A classic, traditional Nerello Mascalese with tannins and sweetness of ripe fruit. My vision of a traditional, balanced and rich Northern Valley Etna wine.” - Frank Cornelissen

Grapes are from different vineyards, “partly from our best parcels where we produce our crus (Zottorinoto-Chiusa Spagnolo, Feudo di Mezzo-Porcaria, Pontale Palino) as well as designated vineyards for this specific wine (Rampante, Piano Daini and Crasà).” Vines are 60+ years in age. Destemmed and light crush, fermentation with native yeasts started with pied-de-cuve, with about 60 days of skin contact. Aged in neutral epoxy tanks from 2500 liters to 7000 liters, unfined, minimal sulphur, if at all.

Bright ruby red in colour, very aromatic; with cinnamon, orange, rose petal, cherry, raspberry, smoky earth, black pepper and grilled rosemary. Cherry, wild strawberry, pomegranate, tarry earth and fresh acidity glide across silky, firm tannins.

Cracked black peppercorn, grilled herbs and a trace of cherry linger on the savory finish.

Frank Cornelissen ‘Munjebel Rosso’ Terre Siciliane IGP 2018

 “A classic, traditional Nerello Mascalese with tannins and

With a vision of crafting “liquid rock”, Frank Cornelissen does not use any treatments of any type in the vineyards, nor does he add anything, including sulphur, during the winemaking process.

Fermented with the skins for approximately 10 days, aged in epoxy tanks.

Incredibly aromatic, with cherry, cranberry, black cherry, red apple, candied orange, flinty minerals and a trace of clove.

Bright cherry, tangerine and pomegranate accent lead minerality and fresh acidity. Clove and candied orange shine on the super dry, red fruit finish.

Engaging, expressive and a fun time, make sure to grab a bottle before they disappear.

Frank Cornelissen ‘Susucaru’ Terre Siciliane IGP 2017

 With a vision of crafting “liquid rock”, Frank Cornelissen

 Treasure trove. Weekend plans set. #susucaru #2017

’Magma’ is Frank Cornelissen’s “Grand Vin” and only produced in the best vintages.

The Barbabecchi vineyard is located at 910 meters in elevation, facing north/northeast.

Planted in 1910, the old vines are ungrafted.

Fermentation begins with a pied-de-cuve with indigenous yeasts and skin contact for about 60 days.

Aged in neutral epoxy tanks from 1200 liters to 2.500 liters, unfined.

Dark garnet in colour, with aromas of pine forest, balsamic, black cherry, smoky earth, golden raisin and star anise.

Smoke spirals around black cherry, blackberry, pomegranate, black pepper and a suggestion of licorice. Grippy tannins and fresh acidity fuse with orange rind, raspberry, iron earth minerality and black pepper on the lengthy finish.

Frank Cornelissen ‘Magma’ Terre Siciliane Rosso IGP 2015

 ’Magma’ is Frank Cornelissen’s “Grand Vin” and only

A golden gem from iconic Etna winemaker Frank Cornelissen 🌋

Grapes are from the Calderara, Borriglione, Crasà and Picciolo vineyards.

Located at 620-750 meters in elevation, vines are 40+ years in age. “Skin maceration with only indigenous yeasts for approximately 4 days, aged in neutral epoxy tanks from 2500 liters to 5000 liters”. Unfined.

Deep gold in colour, with aromas of honey, jasmine, sea spray, tangerine, nectarine, ginger, lemon and clove. Apricot, peach, nectarine, apple, mandarin orange, and white flowers are glossed by citrus acidity.

Spice and a bitter almond streak join smoky minerality on the lush finish. Silky, voluminous, engaging.

Frank Cornelissen ‘MunJebel Bianco Classico’ Terre Siciliane Bianco IGP 2017

 A golden gem from iconic Etna winemaker Frank Cornelissen 🌋

Incredibly aromatic, with intricate layers of ripe cherry, strawberry, raspberry, rose, cinnamon and crushed white peppercorn. All the cherries [red black and a touch of sour] along with wild strawberry, rose petal, soft baking spice and black pepper glide over a core of iron minerality. Fresh acidity and wonderfully wooly tannins [so wooly that my tongue was sticking to the roof of my mouth] fuse into spiced red fruits on the lengthy, dry finish. Well balanced, engaging, stunning, make sure to get one of these spectacular, super scarce bottles before they’re all gone.

85% Nerello Mascalese with “other local varietals from all our old vine vineyards: Nerello Capuccio, Allicante Boushet, Minella and Uva Francesa”

_ 🍷 Frank Cornelissen Contadino Etna Rosso DOP 2016