Frank Cornelissen
Munjebel VA (Vigne Alte) Nerello Mascalese
Sicily, Italy
Dear Natural Wine; I’ve been on your case for some time. Calling you weak, unpredictable, unbalanced; essentially, that you have no future. Although this remains true for some of you, I’m so pleased to find there’s hope, in Mount Etna. This 2014 vintage from 90+ year old vines is calling bullshit on my, well, bullshit; this dry, rich, punchy young gun has so much potential you could even cellar for a few years and he’d still come out with jazz hands. Encore!
Dear Natural Wine; I’ve been on your case for some time. Calling you weak, unpredictable, unbalanced; essentially, that you have no future. Although this remains true for some of you, I’m so pleased to find there’s hope, in Mount Etna. This 2014 vintage from 90+ year old vines is calling bullshit on my, well, bullshit; this dry, rich, punchy young gun has so much potential you could even cellar for a few years and he’d still come out with jazz hands. Encore!
Mar 6th, 2019
‘14s are a big step up in consistency from previous vintages. Less funky and bubbly. Deep cherry and cranberry - there is so much fruit here - balanced with lively acidity and smooth tannins. Very drinkable but has all the qualities needed for some bottle age.
‘14s are a big step up in consistency from previous vintages. Less funky and bubbly. Deep cherry and cranberry - there is so much fruit here - balanced with lively acidity and smooth tannins. Very drinkable but has all the qualities needed for some bottle age.
Mar 17th, 2018
Amazing producer that is wildly dedicated to a true expression of the native grapes and Etna terroir. A blend of 100% Nerello Mascalese from his 3 highest vineyards all with 90+ year old wines. To put it simply, this is one of the most unique and exciting wines I've ever tasted. It constantly evolved in the glass and was obviously a true expression of its place. Playful almost explosive cherry, deep volcanic minerality, and rich earthy dirt notes that persisted. The flavors mirrored the high altitude acidity to create a very harmonious mouth feel from nose to finish. Very cool bottle of wine, big thanks @Kyle Harvey for flying it across the pond.
Amazing producer that is wildly dedicated to a true expression of the native grapes and Etna terroir. A blend of 100% Nerello Mascalese from his 3 highest vineyards all with 90+ year old wines. To put it simply, this is one of the most unique and exciting wines I've ever tasted. It constantly evolved in the glass and was obviously a true expression of its place. Playful almost explosive cherry, deep volcanic minerality, and rich earthy dirt notes that persisted. The flavors mirrored the high altitude acidity to create a very harmonious mouth feel from nose to finish. Very cool bottle of wine, big thanks @Kyle Harvey for flying it across the pond.
Jun 25th, 2017
My second favorite of the night - a blend of Nerello Mascalese from his 4 highest vineyards - all > 870 M - and 90 year old fines, my notes read : rocky forest floor, red juicy cherry, firm tannins #etnavino #vulcanterroir
My second favorite of the night - a blend of Nerello Mascalese from his 4 highest vineyards - all > 870 M - and 90 year old fines, my notes read : rocky forest floor, red juicy cherry, firm tannins #etnavino #vulcanterroir
