Frank Cornelissen - Munjebel FM Contrada Feudo di Mezzo – Sottana, 2017
Like all the wines of this fine line, Munjebel FM is made entirely from Nerello Mascalese. The grapes are sourced from the Sottana Cru, the bottom part of the Feudo di Mezzo Contrada near Passopisciaro, on the northern slope of Etna. During fermentation only indigenous yeasts are used, after which the wine is aged for 3 years in neutral epoxy tanks before release.
The wine has a light ruby hue and medium intensity of colour. On the nose, it exhibits pronounced yet laser-like precision of flavours. The red plums and red cherry pulp notes are succulent but also show great elegance and refinement. A touch of dried red fruit notes can be perceived along with liquorice root, myth, earth and black stone minerality.
On the palate, the flavours are intense, deep and fragrant. Fresh and dried red fruit notes dance with black sultana, earth, undergrowth, potpourri and crushed stone. This wine is both ripe and extremely focused. Medium in body with a velvety mouthfeel. High in acidity with a refined tannic structure (tannins are medium+ and fine-knitted). It is smooth and has a long finish. An outstanding Nerello Mascalese.