Frank Cornelissen (1.5 L) 2017 MunJebel Rosso CR, Terre Siciliane IGP (Etna)

Frank Cornelissen (1.5 L) 2017 MunJebel Rosso CR, Terre Siciliane IGP (Etna)

Item Number: 14100

UPC: None

Country: Italy
Region: Sicily
Sub Region: Catania
Appellation/AVA: Terre Siciliane IGT
Estate Grown Wine: Yes
Vineyard Designation: Campo Re
Vintage: 2017
Grape(s): 100% Nerello Mascalese
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 1.5 L
Pack: 6
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 15
Viticulture: Certified Organic
Soil Type: Volcanic
Elevation: 2,400 feet

This pure Nerello Mascalese comes from a partly ungrafted vineyard Campo Re situated at the far western side in the valley floor at the entrance of Randazzo. The vineyard altitude is 735 meters asl and is characterized by deep sandy soil. This cru is profound, tannic, and Nebbiolo-ish compared to the other crus. The average vine age is 70+ years. The 2017 is light on the palate with excellent fruit and elegant, balanced tannins.

Vintage Notes: Overall 2017 was an excellent, dry vintage in Sicily. If you love Frank wines, then you should buy every bottle of this vintage!

Winemaking Notes: All of Frank's red wines are produced the same way. Grapes are destemmed and lightly crushed before a 60-day skin fermentation with wild yeast in neutral epoxy tanks (2,500-7,000 liters or 1,500-2,500 liters for crus). Wines are not fined. They are filtered before bottling with cartridges of 3-5 micron. Sulfite additions can vary from 0 to 30 mg/l. added depending on the quality of grapes and stability of the wine.

Appellation Notes: Some of Frank's vineyards are too high in elevation for the Etna DOP, so he uses the Terre Siciliane IGT for the sake of uniformity.

Reviews

  • Decanter
    Rating: 90 (9/10/2019)
    There are hefty raspberry aromas and a hint of gaminess, while the palate is rich and broad, with ample flesh and weight. The power and density seem overbearing, and a touch more freshness would be welcome. However, these wines have a strong following. Drink 2020-2028.
  • The Wine Advocate
    Rating: 91 (10/17/2019)
    The 2017 Munjebel CR sees fruit sourced from the Contrada Campo Re in Castiglione di Sicilia, Etna. Like other vintners on the volcano, Frank Cornelissen is interested in studying the single-vineyard characteristics and identities of his individual incoming harvests. This wine is bright and luminous, with a pretty ruby color that cedes to aromas of wild rose, volcanic ash and aniseed.