Frank Cornelissen Magma 2021

Description

Region: Etna, Northern valley
Location: frazione Solicchiata, comune of Castiglione di Sicilia
Vineyard: Vigneto Barbabecchi
Exposure: North, North-East
Elevation: 870m.-910m. asl
Varietal: Nerello Mascalese 100% (ungrafted)
Average age of vines: 100+ years
Vinification: Destemming and light crushing of the grapes
Fermentation: starting with a “pied-de-cuve” using only indigenous yeasts and skin contact for about 50 days
Aging: In neutral epoxy tanks from 1500 liters to 2500 liters for 18 months and another 18 months in bottle
Fining: No
Filtering: Before bottling with cartridges of 5 micron
Sulphur: values can vary from 15 to 50 mg/l., added or not, depending on the quality of grapes and stability of the wine.
Annual production: approx. 2.000 bottles
First vintage: 2001
Denomination: DOP Sicilia or IGP Terre Siciliane Nerello Mascalese
Bottle type: Dark burgundy bottle

Recommended stemware: Zalto Burgundy

 97+ points“It’s almost impossible to pull away from the 2019 Nerello Mascalese Magma Rosso, with its beguiling bouquet of white pepper-tinged dusty rose offset by nuances of tangerine, pomegranate, and the slightest hint of animal musk. This is a seriously textural expression, with smooth contours and admirable weight that’s perfectly balanced by stimulating acidity. Its fruit is decidedly red and sapid, yet with violet-tinged inner florals and sweet minerality. While structured, the 2019 maintains fantastic energy throughout the long yet remarkably fresh finale, as licorice and hints of hard candies slowly taper off into oblivion.”