{"product_id":"frank-cornelissen-munjebel-rosso-cs-2021","title":"Frank Cornelissen Munjebel Rosso CS 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003eFrank Cornelissen Munjebel Rosso CS 2021 is a pure Nerello Mascalese from one of Etna’s most singular sites: the ungrafted Chiusa Spagnolo parcel in contrada Zottorinoto. Nestled like a natural amphitheatre surrounded by ancient lava flows, this lower-lying vineyard (around 620 meters above sea level) yields a deeper, more structured expression of Etna than many of Cornelissen’s other contrada wines. Often compared stylistically to Nebbiolo, it offers a more reserved, ageworthy profile that rewards patience and attentive drinking.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, Munjebel Rosso CS 2021 typically shows a luminous, medium garnet to ruby hue with a slight transparency at the rim—classic for Nerello Mascalese—yet with an intensity that hints at its concentration. The nose is finely etched and somewhat introverted at first, opening gradually with air to reveal red cherry, wild strawberry, dried rose petals and blood orange zest, layered with savory notes of crushed rock, iron, tobacco leaf, tea, and gentle spice. There is a distinct volcanic minerality—almost smoky, but more ash and warm stone than overt oak or toast.\n\nOn the palate the wine is taut, vertical, and firmly structured, with Nebbiolo-like tannins that are fine-grained yet assertive, wrapped around a core of precise red fruit. Sour cherry, cranberry and pomegranate are joined by hints of licorice, dried herbs and a saline, mouthwatering edge that speaks clearly of Etna’s lava soils. The acidity is vibrant and linear, giving the wine a long, resonant finish that feels both savory and mineral. Munjebel Rosso CS 2021 is built to age: while approachable with proper aeration, it should gain complexity and harmonize its tannins beautifully over 8–15 years from vintage, and potentially longer in ideal cellaring conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChiusa Spagnolo is a historic, ungrafted Nerello Mascalese vineyard planted around 1925 in contrada Zottorinoto, a lower-altitude site (approx. 620 m) cradled in a lava amphitheatre on the northern slopes of Mount Etna. The vines grow on decomposed volcanic ash and lava, with excellent drainage and poor, mineral-rich soils that naturally limit yields and concentrate flavor. Frank Cornelissen farms these old vines with a strongly minimalist, low-intervention philosophy—favoring organic\/biodynamic principles, meticulous hand work, and low yields harvested by hand at optimal physiological ripeness. In the cellar, fermentation is typically spontaneous with indigenous yeasts, often in neutral vessels (such as epoxy-lined tanks or large neutral casks), with extended maceration to draw out the site’s characteristic tannic backbone. The wine is aged on its lees in inert or large-format containers to preserve purity of fruit and terroir expression, with little or no new oak influence and only minimal sulfur added, if at all, prior to bottling without fining or filtration.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis structured, Nebbiolo-like Etna Rosso is ideal alongside dishes that can match its tannin and acidity. Think classic Sicilian and Italian fare such as grilled lamb chops with rosemary, slow-braised beef or veal, rabbit stew, sausage and fennel ragù, or roasted pork with herbs. It also sings with earthy elements—porcini risotto, wild mushroom dishes, truffle pasta, or aged semi-hard cheeses like Pecorino, Ragusano or mature Parmigiano-Reggiano. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight its aromatic complexity and freshness. Given its reserved nature, decanting is recommended: 1–2 hours for younger bottles like the 2021 to allow the bouquet and texture to fully unfold.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrank Cornelissen is one of Mount Etna’s most influential and recognizable producers, known for pushing the boundaries of minimal-intervention winemaking on the volcano’s dramatic northern slopes. A Belgian by birth, Cornelissen settled on Etna in the early 2000s, drawn by the region’s ancient bush-trained vines, ungrafted rootstocks and unique volcanic terroir. From the outset he focused on expressing each contrada—the local term for individual lava flows and crus—through bottlings that emphasize purity, minerality, and place over winemaker signature. His Munjebel range has become a modern benchmark for natural-leaning Etna Rosso, and his meticulous work in the vineyards, combined with a philosophy of minimal manipulation in the cellar, has helped cement Etna’s status as one of Italy’s most exciting and distinctive wine regions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Frank Cornelissen","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54255185658193,"sku":"XW-54494","price":136.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/frank-cornelissen-munjebel-rosso-cs-2021_54494_1_5885681a-2485-4f0f-8871-befb482bd415.webp?v=1783457048","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/frank-cornelissen-munjebel-rosso-cs-2021","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}