Frank Cornelissen ‘MunJebel Bianco Classico’ Terre Siciliane Bianco IGP 2017

Estate: Pioneering, iconic winemaker Frank Cornelissen is renowned for his strict adherence to extremely minimal intervention, natural winemaking methods. The 24 hectare estate is located on the north slope of Mount Etna in Sicily. The 13 hectares of old vine vineyards have an elevation range from 1900 to 3200 feet above sea level. Cornelissen’s goal for the land “is to evolve towards a self-sustainable agricultural reality based on the trilogy of Mediterranean farming (cereals, olive oil and wine) without exploiting Mother Earth, to produce whilst also returning, evolving towards equilibrium of the land, which will take time”.

Philosophy: “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.”

Winemaking: Grapes are from the Calderara, Borriglione, Crasà and Picciolo vineyards. Located at 620-750 meters in elevation, vines are 40+ years in age. “Skin maceration with only indigenous yeasts for approximately 4 days, aged in neutral epoxy tanks from 2500 liters to 5000 liters”. Unfined.

Tasting Notes: Deep gold in colour, with aromas of honey, jasmine, sea spray, tangerine, nectarine, ginger, lemon and clove. Apricot, peach, nectarine, apple, mandarin orange and white flowers are glossed by citrus acidity. Spice and a bitter almond streak join smoky minerality on the lush finish. Silky, voluminous, engaging.

50% Grecanico Dorato, 50% Carricante
Terre Siciliane Bianco IGP
Sicily
Italy
Produced and Bottled by Azienda Agricola Frank Cornelissen
13% Alcohol
$54