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

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

Item Number: 14101

UPC: None

Country: Italy
Region: Sicily
Sub Region: Catania
Appellation/AVA: Etna Bianco DOC
Estate Grown Wine: Yes
Vineyard Designation: Feudo di Mezzo
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: 1,900 feet

Contrada Feudo di Mezzo is very vast. Frank prefers to separate the bottom part (sottana) from the upper part (soprana or Porcaria). FM is produced from sottana Nerello Mascalese. Although lower in the valley floor, the wine is of an unusual elegance, which characterizes this area. Burgundian elegance and roundness, even in hot vintages, makes this a special wine with finesse as it’s personality. The average vine age is 40+ years. There is lift on the palate with this cru. 2017 is showing beautiful fruit.

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

  • Vinous
    Rating: 94 (6/10/2021)
    Rich, sometimes savory and at other times sweet, the 2017 Nerello Mascalese Munjebel FM makes itself known. Plum sauce, balsamic spice, a twist of nectarine, flowery undergrowth and a lifting hint of camphor all waft up to form its captivating nose. In the mouth, velvety textures envelop the palate in ripe red and black fruits, yet there’s nervous acidity here that quickly energizes the expression, creating a buzz of inner tension. The primary concentration is something to behold, but even more fascinating is how incredibly fresh and vibrant this remains throughout the long, lightly structured and dramatic finale. The 2017 is obviously the result of a ripe vintage, yet it never falls out of balance, and it keeps you coming back to the glass for more. Munjebel FM is produced from the lower elevations of the Feudo di Mezzo cru.