Description
History
Frank Cornelissen, a Belgian winemaker who relocated to Etna, is renowned for his commitment to producing natural wines that mirror the uniqueness of the Etnean terroir. The Calderara Sottana contrada is famed for its stony soils and its ability to produce wines of great elegance and depth.
Grapes used
- 100% Nerello Mascalese
Production method
- Vinification: Destemming and light crushing of the grapes.
- Fermentation: Initiated with a “pied-de-cuve” using only indigenous yeasts and skin contact for about 60 days.
- Aging: In neutral fiberglass tanks ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 liters for 18 months, followed by an additional 18 months in bottle.
- Fining and filtration: No fining; filtration before bottling with 5-micron PP cartridges.
- Sulfur: Levels can vary from 15 to 50 mg/l, added or not, depending on grape quality and wine stability.
Alcohol content
14.5% vol.
Tasting notes
In the glass, it exhibits an intense ruby red color. The nose reveals a complex bouquet with notes of ripe red fruits, peach, anise, underbrush, and pronounced mineral hints of flint. On the palate, it is elegant and refined, with crisp freshness, lively tannins, and a long, deep finish, highlighted by a pleasant note of blood orange.
Possible pairings
It pairs excellently with meat-based dishes such as roasts and game, as well as aged cheeses. Also ideal with flavorful pasta dishes and traditional Sicilian cuisine.