Description
What kind of wine it is
Munjebel Rosso CD Calderara Sottana by Frank Cornelissen is a still red wine that represents an authentic expression of the Etna Rosso denomination. Made from Nerello Mascalese grapes, it displays an intense ruby hue and a profile of great elegance. On the palate, it is warm and savoury, supported by pronounced minerality and well-balanced tannins that ensure a pleasant smoothness. The bouquet is dominated by notes of red-fleshed fruit, enhanced by hints of thyme and spicy nuances. The sip finishes with a persistent finish, making it ideal for pairing with structured dishes such as meat stews.
Where it comes from
This wine originates from the Contrada Calderara Sottana, located in the municipality of Randazzo on the northern slope of Mount Etna. The vineyards, cultivated as bush vines and over forty years old, face north at around 610 metres above sea level. The distinctive feature of the area is the volcanic soil, characterised by an abundance of small stones capable of retaining solar heat and releasing it during the night. This composition gives the wine a vibrant minerality. Frank Cornelissen's production philosophy, focused on respecting natural rhythms, allows the vines to transparently express the elegance of the terroir.
How it is produced
After destemming and gentle crushing, the Nerello Mascalese grapes undergo a spontaneous fermentation started with a pied-de-cuve of indigenous yeasts. The skin maceration, extended for sixty days, allows for the extraction of structure and a dense tannic texture. Ageing takes place in neutral fibreglass vats for eighteen months, a choice that enables the wine to evolve without external influences, before resting for a further eighteen months in bottle. Bottled without any fining, the wine offers a clear and strongly territorial sip.
History and Curiosities
Since 2001, Frank Cornelissen has been enhancing the renowned Contrada Calderara Sottana, in Randazzo. In this splendid area, the volcanic soil rich in small stones stores the warmth of the day and releases it during the colder hours, protecting the vineyard. Following a natural philosophy linked to cosmic rhythms, an authentic expression of Nerello Mascalese is born: a wine of profound elegance, capable of evolving magnificently over time and releasing the vibrant minerality of Etna.
Tasting notes
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
16 - 18 °C
Longevity:
10 - 15 years
Decanting time:
1 hour
- Start up year: 2001
- Hectares: 24
Our farming philosophy is based on our acceptance of the fact that man will never be able to understand nature’s full complexity and interactions. We therefore choose to concentrate on observing and learning the movements of Mother Earth in her various energetic and cosmic passages and prefer to follow her indications as to what to do, instead of deciding and imposing ourselves. Read more
| Name | Frank Cornelissen Munjebel Rosso CD Calderara Sottana 2021 |
|---|---|
| Type | Red green still dry |
| Denomination | Terre Siciliane IGT |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 14.0% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 100% Nerello Mascalese |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Sicily |
| Vendor | Frank Cornelissen |
| Story | History and Curiosities Since 2001, Frank Cornelissen has been enhancing the renowned Contrada Calderara Sottana, in Randazzo. In this splendid area, the volcanic soil rich in small stones stores the warmth of the day and releases it during the colder hours, protecting the vineyard. Following a natural philosophy linked to cosmic rhythms, an authentic expression of Nerello Mascalese is born: a wine of profound elegance, capable of evolving magnificently over time and releasing the vibrant minerality of Etna. |
| Origin | Contrada Calderara Sottana, municipality of Randazzo (on the border with Castiglione di Sicilia), northern slope of Mount Etna, Sicily, Italy |
| Soil composition | Volcanic soil, rich in many small stones |
| Fermentation | Approximately 60 days |
| Production technique | Spontaneous fermentation started with a pied de cuve of indigenous yeasts with maceration on the skins for about 60 days; ageing in neutral fibreglass tanks and subsequent ageing in bottle; unfined |
| Wine making | Destemming and gentle crushing of the grapes; spontaneous fermentation started with pied de cuve using only indigenous yeasts, with skin contact for about 60 days; ageing in neutral fibreglass tanks (1,200–2,500 l) for 18 months and a further 18 months in bottle; unfiltered. |
| Aging | Aged in neutral fibreglass tanks (1,200–2,500 l) for 18 months and a further 18 months in bottle. |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |

