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FRANK CORNELISSEN Munjebel Terre Sicilane
FRANK CORNELISSEN Munjebel Terre Sicilane
Regular price
$62.00 USD
Regular price
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$62.00 USD
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Munjebel Terre Siciliane is a captivating wine from Frank Cornelissen, a visionary Belgian-born winemaker who established his estate in 2001 on the northern slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily. Known for his uncompromising commitment to natural winemaking, Cornelissen crafts this wine from Nerello Mascalese grapes, a native Etna variety often likened to a blend of Pinot Noir’s lush fruit and Nebbiolo’s sharp tannins. The Munjebel Rosso, the flagship expression under the Terre Siciliane IGT designation, is a blend sourced from multiple vineyards, including some of his top crus like Zottorinoto-Chiusa Spagnolo, Feudo di Mezzo-Sottana, and Porcaria, as well as other designated plots such as Rampante Sottana, Piano Daini, and Crasà.
Cornelissen’s philosophy, “accept and follow nature,” shapes every step of production. The vineyards, averaging over 50 years old, are farmed organically and biodynamically without herbicides, pesticides, or invasive treatments, relying instead on the natural rhythms of the volcanic terroir. Situated between 600 and 1,000 meters above sea level, the vines thrive in diverse volcanic soils, lending the wine its distinctive minerality and complexity. Harvested late for optimal ripeness, the grapes undergo destemming and light crushing, followed by spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts and a skin contact period of about 50 days. The wine ages for around 12 months in neutral epoxy tanks (2500-7000 liters), avoiding oak to preserve the purity of the fruit and terroir. It is bottled unfined and unfiltered, with minimal sulfur (15-50 mg/L) added only when necessary, depending on the vintage.
Munjebel Rosso pours a translucent ruby, hinting at its elegant, Burgundian style. The nose bursts with wild red berries—think cherry, raspberry, and red plum—mingled with floral notes of lavender and rose, alongside subtle hints of dried lemon leaf, fresh basil, and volcanic ash. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied, vibrant, and layered, with fine, racy tannins and a crisp acidity that balances the ripe fruit. The finish is long and focused, revealing a mineral edge and a touch of spice, embodying Cornelissen’s vision of a traditional yet refined Etna wine.
This is a wine of depth and integrity, rich yet approachable, with a softness that invites immediate enjoyment and a structure that promises evolution with a few years of cellaring. Pair it with gamey meats, roasted poultry, braised dishes, or a classic red sauce pasta. Munjebel Terre Siciliane is a testament to Cornelissen’s mastery in capturing the wild, untamed spirit of Etna in a bottle—complex, soulful, and utterly unique.
