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FRANK CORNELISSEN Susucaru Rosso
FRANK CORNELISSEN Susucaru Rosso
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$47.00 USD
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Frank Cornelissen’s Susucaru Rosso is a lively, unorthodox red wine from the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily, embodying the winemaker’s radical naturalist ethos. Introduced as a more approachable counterpart to his Munjebel line, Susucaru Rosso is a field blend primarily featuring Nerello Mascalese (around 85%), with smaller amounts of Nerello Cappuccio, Alicante Bouschet, Minella, and Uva Francesa. The grapes are sourced from younger vines and a mix of Cornelissen’s 24 hectares of organically and biodynamically farmed vineyards, scattered across Etna’s northern valley at elevations between 510 and 900 meters. The volcanic soils—rich in ash, basalt, and pumice—infuse the wine with a distinctive mineral backbone.
Cornelissen’s “do-nothing” approach defines the production. Hand-harvested grapes undergo a gentle destemming and crushing, followed by spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts in large, neutral epoxy tanks (2500-7000 liters). The wine sees a short skin maceration of about 10-15 days, extracting just enough color and structure without veering into heavy tannin territory. After fermentation, it rests for around 6-9 months in the same tanks, bottled unfined, unfiltered, and with minimal sulfur (typically 0-20 mg/L, vintage-dependent), preserving its raw, vibrant character.
Susucaru Rosso pours a translucent ruby with a slight haze, hinting at its natural state. The nose is an explosion of wild red fruits—raspberry, sour cherry, and pomegranate—laced with floral notes of violet, a whiff of wet stone, and a subtle earthy funk. On the palate, it’s light-bodied and juicy, with bright acidity, soft tannins, and a touch of rustic charm (sometimes a faint spritz or volatility). The finish carries a saline, mineral edge, a signature of Etna’s terroir, making it both refreshing and intriguing.
This is Cornelissen’s “house wine”—a versatile, everyday drinker meant to be enjoyed young and slightly chilled. It pairs beautifully with pizza, grilled fish, antipasti, or even spicy dishes, cutting through richness with its zesty profile. Susucaru Rosso is a love letter to Etna’s volcanic soul, blending accessibility with the wild, untamed spirit of natural winemaking—a perfect introduction to Cornelissen’s uncompromising vision.
