'Munjebel' Bianco Frank Cornelissen 2023

The Munjebel Bianco is a picturesque and original portrait of the great volcano, Etna. It is an extraordinary blend of Grecanico and Carricante from ancient 40-year-old vines that climb the lava stone at altitudes exceeding 1000 meters, where the chill of snow contrasts with the heat of lava. It is a white wine macerated on the skins with the character of a red, as defined by its producer Frank Cornelissen, one of the most renowned names in artisanal wine. Frank's winery story, a Belgian in the land of Etna, is modern and began recently in 2001, with the aim of practicing respectful and low-intervention viticulture to preserve the identity of the territory and the grape. In the winery, spontaneous fermentations with indigenous yeasts and very low use of sulfur continue. This label thus faithfully and authentically portrays the Etna territory and in every sip brings us back to that surprising richness and minerality that only the volcano can offer. A volcanic essence, a Sicilian nectar, and the most original purity of the fruit: the wine that touches the soul and warms the heart.

The Bianco Munjebel comes from Grecanico and Carricante grapes grown on the northern slopes in the districts of Calderara, Borriglione, Crasà, and Picciolo. The vines, over 40 years old, are cultivated in the bush-trained form and root deeply in volcanic soils. The grapes grow lushly in the unspoiled nature of the place, remaining intact and fertile according to the Belgian's creed. The clusters are harvested manually, the berries are softly pressed, and the resulting must ferments spontaneously in neutral fiberglass containers. The 4-day maceration on the skins enriches the bouquet and taste with varietal nuances. The aging takes place in neutral fiberglass tanks of 1500-2500 liters.

The Bianco Cornelissen is dressed in a veiled ochre yellow mantle, edged with golden hues. The nose is a dive into Etna land, revealing itself slowly, almost whispering, and releasing delicate aromas of medlar, bitter orange, ginger, and undergrowth that elegantly parade among mineral clouds. The taste unveils a very expressive trident composed of freshness, finesse, and sapidity reinforced by a light tannin that regulates the finish. The real playmaker, however, is the minerality, almost intrusive but decidedly unique. The white of interiority and spirit, an expression that must be contextualized to grasp its purest essence. A lesson in life, a lesson in wine!