Frank Cornelissen Munjebel Rosso 2021

Munjebel Rosso is the blended red of Frank Cornelissen, drawn from Nerello Mascalese vines across several plots on the northern slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily. Cornelissen follows nature in the vineyard and vinifies cleanly with minimal intervention. Nerello Mascalese is a native Etna grape with pale colour, high acidity and firm tannin, close in feel to Nebbiolo. The volcano shapes everything here: free-draining black volcanic soils rich in minerals, high-altitude vineyards and a wide swing between warm days and cold nights. That combination preserves acidity and drives the smoky, saline, mineral character that runs through the fruit. Blending across plots gives a rounder, more approachable version of the estate style than its single-vineyard bottlings. The wine is made naturally, fermented with native yeasts and made without additions. The colour is a light, translucent ruby. The nose shows red cherry and wild berries over woodsmoke, dried herbs and sea salt. The palate is medium bodied, with high acidity, fine tannin and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 15 to 17 degrees, decanted, with roast game, grilled meat or mushrooms.