Frank Cornelissen Susucaru Rosato Terre Siciliane IGT 2024

Frank Cornelissen Susucaru Rosato Terre Siciliane IGT 2024

Frank Cornelissen
$30.00

Grape: Nerello Mascalese
Vintage: 2024
Type: Rosé

This organic rosé alternative is a field blend led by nerello mascalese alongside native white grapes on Mount Etna. Frank Cornelissen uses hand-harvested fruit from plots managed under strict low-intervention viticulture to ensure natural structural balance. Spontaneous fermentation relies entirely on native vineyard wild yeasts in neutral vessels, avoiding modern temperature adjustments. Settling naturally without added sulfur or filtration, it establishes a raw, airy volcanic identity.

It pours a dark pink color with an orange hue, opening with clean aromas of fresh watermelon and sliced oranges. On the palate, the medium-bodied frame is juicy and direct, delivering a light red texture filled with fruit and subtle spices. A snappy wave of natural acidity cuts through the volume, keeping the mouthfeel lively and refreshed. Subtle notes of bitter citrus and flint add savory depth across the mineral baseline. It finishes completely dry and crisp, leaving a lingering volcanic trace.

Frank Cornelissen is a renowned natural winemaker known for his uncompromising, minimal-intervention approach to winemaking. A native of Belgium, Cornelissen established his estate in 2001 with the goal of producing authentic, terroir-driven wines. His wines have since achieved cult status among natural wine enthusiasts. Cornelissen follows a "naturalistic" philosophy, aiming to make wines with no additives, including commercial yeasts or sulfur dioxide. He works with ungrafted, indigenous grape varieties like Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, and Grecanico. Grapes are hand-harvested, and fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts. The wines are aged in neutral vessels such as fiberglass tanks and epoxy-coated terracotta amphorae, avoiding the use of wood to allow the terroir to shine through.