Frank Cornelissen Susucaru Rosso Terre Siciliane IGT 2022
Frank Cornelissen
Cornelissen's entry-level Etna red is anything but simple. Made with minimal intervention from Nerello Mascalese grown on volcanic soils, Susucaru captures the energy of its terroir — bright, tensile, and alive. It drinks beautifully with a slight chill, making it an ideal transition wine from afternoon into evening.
Nose
Wild strawberry and tart cherry burst from the glass, joined by dried rose petals and a faint whiff of volcanic minerality. A subtle gamey quality adds intrigue beneath the bright fruit.
Palate
Light-bodied and vibrant. Sour cherry and crushed raspberry are threaded with a saline, mineral quality. There is a gentle tannic grip and an earthy undertow that keeps the wine grounded despite its juiciness.
Finish
Medium, with lingering cherry, a hint of iron-rich earth, and a floral lift on the close.
- Varietal
- Nerello Mascalese
- Blend
- Nerello Mascalese with small amounts of other indigenous varieties
- Vineyards
- Various sites on Mount Etna's north slope, volcanic soils, 600–900m elevation
- Alcohol
- 12.5%
- Organic / Biodynamic
- No
Food Pairing
The meaty swordfish and sweet-sour caponata complement the wine's tangy cherry fruit and volcanic minerality, while eggplant's soft texture mirrors its silky tannins.
Belgian-born Frank Cornelissen farms high-altitude vineyards on Mount Etna's north slope using biodynamic principles, fermenting in fiberglass-lined concrete vats and ancient terracotta amphorae without sulfur additions.
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