Description
What kind of wine is it
Munjebel Rosso VA Vigne Alte is a still red wine produced in Sicily by Frank Cornelissen, an authentic and profound expression of the Etna region. Made from Nerello Mascalese grapes grown on ungrafted vines that are up to ninety years old, this wine fully reflects its distinct volcanic character. The agricultural approach strictly follows a biological and sustainable regime, in full respect of natural processes. On the palate, it is dry, elegant and features a taut, highly precise flavour profile, capable of conveying the typical minerality of the soil from which it originates.
Where does it come from
The roots of this label lie in the highest terraces on the northern slope of Etna, characterised by dark, mineral-rich soils. The vineyards enjoy a north and north-east exposure and extend into the prestigious districts of Tartaraci in Bronte, as well as Barbabecchi and Rampante Soprana in Solicchiata. Situated at an altitude between 870 and 1000 metres, the vines benefit from a climate that encourages a slow ripening process for the grapes. Frank Cornelissen began his winemaking project in these areas in 2001, helping to enhance the value of the high-altitude crus.
How is it produced
In the winery, production is based on strict observation and minimal intervention. After careful destemming and gentle crushing, fermentation begins spontaneously thanks to a pied-de-cuve made from indigenous yeasts. The long skin contact lasts for about fifty days, ensuring optimal extraction and solid structural stability. Afterwards, the wine matures in neutral fibreglass tanks for eighteen months, a material chosen so as not to alter the characteristics of the fruit. The process concludes with a further eighteen months of bottle ageing.
History and Curiosities
Born from the pioneering vision of Frank Cornelissen, this extraordinary Etna DOC expresses the most authentic soul of the region. Munjebel Rosso VA Vigne Alte comes from the highest plots on the northern slope, from historic ungrafted vines that are up to ninety years old. The natural vinification involves fermentation with indigenous yeasts and slow ageing in neutral fibreglass vats. The result is a Nerello Mascalese of exceptional precision, offering an elegant sip with a vibrant volcanic identity.
Tasting notes
Color
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 VA Vigne Alte 2021 |
|---|---|
| Type | Red green still |
| Denomination | Etna 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 Born from the pioneering vision of Frank Cornelissen, this extraordinary Etna DOC expresses the most authentic soul of the region. Munjebel Rosso VA Vigne Alte comes from the highest plots on the northern slope, from historic ungrafted vines that are up to ninety years old. The natural vinification involves fermentation with indigenous yeasts and slow ageing in neutral fibreglass vats. The result is a Nerello Mascalese of exceptional precision, offering an elegant sip with a vibrant volcanic identity. |
| Origin | Bronte (Tartaraci), Solicchiata (Barbabecchi e Rampante soprana) |
| Soil composition | Volcanic soil |
| Fermentation | About 50 days |
| Production technique | Destemming and gentle crushing; fermentation started with pied-de-cuve using only indigenous yeasts; maceration/skin contact for about 50 days; ageing in neutral fibreglass tanks followed by further ageing in bottle. |
| Wine making | Destemming and gentle crushing of the grapes; fermentation started with a pied-de-cuve of only indigenous yeasts and contact with the skins for about 50 days; ageing in neutral fibreglass tanks for 18 months and a further 18 months in bottle. |
| Aging | In neutral fibreglass vats (1,200–2,500 L) for 18 months, followed by a further 18 months in bottle. |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |

