Frank Cornelissen
Magma Rosso Contrada Barbabecchi 2021
| Denomination | DOC Sicilia Nerello Mascalese |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 15.0% by volume |
| Area | Sicily (Italy) |
| Grape varieties | 100% Nerello Mascalese |
| Aging | In neutral fibreglass vats from 1,200 to 2,500 litres for 18 months, followed by 18 months in bottle. |
- Grape variety and style: Dry red wine made exclusively from Nerello Mascalese, with an elegant and complex character
- High-altitude vineyard: Contrada Barbabecchi on Etna at 870–910 metres, volcanic soil origin
- Vinification: Fermentation with indigenous yeasts, skin maceration for around 50 days
- Extended ageing: 18 months in neutral fibreglass tanks followed by 18 months in bottle
- Profile: Notes of spices, liquorice and graphite; soft tannins ideal with roasts and game
Description
What kind of wine it is
Magma Rosso Contrada Barbabecchi by Frank Cornelissen is a still red wine made from Nerello Mascalese grapes, an authentic expression of the Sicilian territory. Produced exclusively when climatic conditions allow for full phenolic ripeness, it ferments with indigenous yeasts, developing a highly profound organoleptic profile. It is distinguished by a smooth tannic structure and a prolonged gustatory persistence. On the nose, it offers a broad bouquet with hints of spices, liquorice and graphite, finishing with an ethereal note. At the table, it pairs excellently with roasts, game-based dishes and mature or very flavourful cheeses.
Where it comes from
It originates from the cru of Contrada Barbabecchi, near Solicchiata in the municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia. The centuries-old Nerello Mascalese vines sink their roots into the volcanic soil of Etna, at an altitude between 870 and 910 metres. The north and north-east exposure ensures the cool morning sunlight, promoting gradual and consistent ripening. The extremely low yields per vine and the advanced age of the plants result in a marked mineral imprint and a precise expression of the territory, giving the wine structural balance and an elegant aromatic depth.
How it is produced
Production begins with short winter pruning to keep yields extremely low. After destemming and gentle crushing, fermentation starts thanks to a natural pied de cuvée. The prolonged skin contact for about fifty days ensures extraction and definition without the use of fining. Ageing takes place in neutral fibreglass vats for eighteen months, a choice aimed at preserving the integrity of the fruit. A further rest in bottle for a year and a half completes the maturation, defining the austere and distinctive character of the wine.
History and Curiosities
Produced only in the finest vintages, this “Grand Vin” originates from majestic old Nerello Mascalese vines situated over 870 metres above sea level on the northern slope of Mount Etna. Planted around 1910, these century-old vines yield minimal quantities, concentrating extraordinary aromatic elegance and making the 2021 vintage a biological masterpiece awarded 98 points by James Suckling. Patient ageing in neutral fibreglass vats preserves the profound and complex purity of the volcanic terroir, offering an unforgettable tasting experience.
Awards
-
2021
2This guide is highly respected and offers the most comprehensive review of Italian wines. It has a long tradition and is based on blind tastings carried out by over 100 experts.
-
2021
98/100
James Suckling is an influential American wine critic and journalist who worked at Wine Spectator for 30 years. He left the magazine in 2010 to start his own website and guidebook (JamesSuckling.com). He specialises in Italian and Bordeaux wines.
Tasting notes
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
16 - 18 °C
Longevity:
15 - 25 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 Magma Rosso Contrada Barbabecchi 2021 |
|---|---|
| Type | Red organic still |
| Denomination | Sicilia DOC |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 15.0% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 100% Nerello Mascalese |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Sicily |
| Vendor | Frank Cornelissen |
| Story | History and Curiosities Produced only in the finest vintages, this "Grand Vin" originates from majestic old Nerello Mascalese vines situated over 870 metres above sea level on the northern slope of Mount Etna. Planted around 1910, these century-old vines yield minimal quantities, concentrating extraordinary aromatic elegance and making the 2021 vintage a biological masterpiece awarded 98 points by James Suckling. Patient ageing in neutral fibreglass vats preserves the profound and complex purity of the volcanic terroir, offering an unforgettable tasting experience. |
| Origin | Hamlet of Solicchiata, municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia |
| Fermentation | Circa 50 giorni |
| Production technique | Destemming and light crushing; fermentation started with a pied de cuvée of indigenous yeasts only; maceration/skin contact for about 50 days; no fining; ageing for 18 months in neutral fibreglass vats and 18 months in bottle |
| Wine making | Destemming and gentle crushing of the grapes; fermentation started with a pied-de-cuve of only indigenous yeasts, with maceration/skin contact for about 50 days; no clarification; ageing for 18 months in neutral fibreglass tanks (1,200–2,500 L) and a further 18 months in bottle. |
| Aging | In neutral fibreglass vats from 1,200 to 2,500 litres for 18 months, followed by 18 months in bottle. |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |