Frank Cornelissen Susucaru Rosso 2023

Frank Cornelissen is a Belgian winemaker who has become a leading name in natural, volcanic-origin Sicilian wine, working at the foot of Mount Etna since 2001. Susucaru is his pale, easy-drinking red, made from the native varieties Nerello Mascalese, Minella and Alicante Bouschet grown on old vines around 50 years of age. Etna's volcanic soils are black, sandy and mineral rich, formed from lava and ash, and combined with vineyard altitude they give wines of freshness, lightness and a distinctive saline character. Cornelissen farms biodynamically and works with minimal intervention, fermenting with wild yeasts and ageing in inert fibreglass rather than wood, which keeps the fruit pure and the wine bright and unoaked. The colour is a pale, light red. The nose shows fresh red berries, cherry and a floral rose note with white peach and a hint of volcanic earth. The palate is light, fresh and fruit driven, with soft tannin, a savoury saline lift and a clean finish. Serve lightly chilled at around 13 to 14 degrees. It suits lighter dishes, from charcuterie to tomato-based pasta.