2013 Munjebel Rosso VA
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Tasting notes
Ungrafted bushvine Nerello Mascalese planted 1910-1925 on a thin layer of gritty soil over rocks of basaltic lava at 870 m. Fermented in small HDPE tanks, maceration 1-3 months. Aged in lined terracotta or fibreglass. VA = Vigne Alte, ie high vineyards. Very low yields. TA 5.53 g/l, pH 3.47. Slightly funky nose, meaty, dark-red fruit, slight reductive smokiness. First bottle was slightly fizzy, the second bottle cleaner and fresher but still a little fizzy. Dry, chalky texture reveals its origin. (JH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
It takes a certain level of cheeky impertinence to call your wine "VA" especially if you are a natural winemaker. But Frank Cornelissen is all about chutzpah and so is the 2013 Munjebel VA. The initials in this case stand for "Vigne Alte" because this vineyard cru is found on the higher elevation end of the Etna appellation (that stops at 1,000 meters above sea level). Thankfully, this red wine doesn't show volatile acidity (okay, well maybe just a little). It offers earthy notes of dark stone, cured meat, bresaola and dark fruit. It's an attractive natural wine ensemble with ripe fruit and a dark, more austere set of aromas. The wine seems to be further along in its evolution.