Belgian-born Frank Cornelissen is a Belgian native producing captivating wines on an active volcano, Mount Etna, in Sicily. He has been a key player in the natural wine movement since establishing his winery in 2001 whilst at the same time bringing the island of Sicily back into the spotlight for wines of quality and purity.
This 100% Nerello Mascalese comes from the Chiusa Spagnolo cru in the contrada Zottorinoto, from vines planted in 1925, are completely ungrafted in a small pocket surrounded by old lava flows about 620 meters above sea level.
A beautiful nose of black cherry, dark currant, cranberry, amaro, smoke, leather, mushroom and crushed rose petals. On the palate this is finely textured, earthy and brooding, this is more on the herbal side of Nerello than the fruity; think oregano, campari and bramble. Focused and pure through the long finish, it leaves behind a mouthful of red fruits and more of that lingering smokey Etna goodness that Cornelissen captures so well.
These are bottles that are hunted down with an almost religious zeal.