Frank Cornelissen Susucaru Rosé 2021

Frank Cornelissen is one of Etna's most respected natural producers, a Belgian winemaker who farms the volcano's slopes in north east Sicily with minimal intervention. Susucaru is a field blend rose led by the red Nerello Mascalese with the white and aromatic Malvasia, Black Muscat and Incrocio Manzoni, grown together on the dark volcanic soils of Terre Siciliane. Etna's high altitude and the wide day to night temperature range give a long growing season that preserves acidity and aromatic detail, while the porous volcanic ash and lava lend the wine its mineral, saline character. Made as a natural wine, it is fermented with native yeasts and little added sulphur, co fermenting red and white grapes for a pale colour and a lightly aromatic lift. The result has the understated ripeness and balanced texture of a gastronomic rose. The colour is a pale, slightly hazy pink. The nose shows red berries, red currant and white peach with a floral lift of rose and white flowers and a faint briny edge. The palate is dry and fresh, with bright acidity, gentle fruit and a saline, mineral finish. Serve at 10 degrees.