Azienda Agricola Frank Cornelissen
PISTEMUTTA® ROSATO
PISTEMUTTA® ROSATO
Varietal: Nerello Mascalese
Region: Sicily
Country: Italy
Volume: 750ml
A few years ago, an unexpected email arrived at the Mount Etna Winery, proposing a collaboration with Patagonia®. Initially dismissed as spam, the email turned out to be genuine, much to the astonishment and honor of the team. Known for their dedication to preserving nature, Patagonia®'s philosophy resonated deeply with the winery’s commitment to producing artisanal, organic wines on Mount Etna.
The collaboration demanded more than just bottling any wine with a new label; it required a concept that embodied the essence of Etna's winemaking history. The result was Pistemutta®, a wine that honors the traditional methods of Etna's local farmers, or "contadino." This wine is a beautiful representation of the past, capturing the light, fluid, and elegant nature of the wines they once produced.
Pistemutta® pours a delicate, translucent ruby hue, hinting at its light-bodied character. On the nose, it is aromatic and inviting, with an elegant bouquet of wild strawberries and cherries, intertwined with subtle earthy notes and a touch of Mediterranean herbs, perfectly reflecting Etna's unique terroir.
On the palate, Pistemutta® stays true to its traditional roots. The light-bodied and fluid nature is balanced with remarkable structure. Minimal skin contact during production has resulted in soft, polished tannins and a supple mouthfeel. The vibrant flavors of red berries are complemented by a refreshing acidity and a whisper of minerality, characteristic of the volcanic soils of Mount Etna. A hint of spice and a gentle, lingering finish add to its charm.
Crafted using age-old techniques, Pistemutta® undergoes natural fermentation in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts, ensuring an authentic connection to the land. It is then aged in cement, allowing for natural clarification and complexity without the influence of oak.
Pistemutta® is not just a wine; it's a journey back in time, celebrating the rich history and traditions of Etna viticulture. Its light body, elegant structure, and vibrant fruit profile make it a versatile companion for a variety of dishes, from antipasti and seafood to light meats and cheeses.
For those seeking a genuine taste of Mount Etna's traditional winemaking practices presented in a refined and elegant manner, Pistemutta® is an exceptional choice. It offers a delightful drinking experience and a meaningful connection to the roots of Etna's winemaking heritage.
Sip on this! It's good for you because...
About Winemaker
Azienda Agricola Frank Cornelissen
Nestled on the northern slopes of Mount Etna, Azienda Agricola Frank Cornelissen is a beacon of natural winemaking, embodying a profound respect for nature and the ancient traditions of Sicilian viticulture. Founded by Belgian winemaker Frank Cornelissen in 2001, this unique winery has quickly gained a reputation for its uncompromising dedication to purity and authenticity in wine production.
Frank Cornelissen's philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that winemaking should be as natural and non-interventionist as possible. This means eschewing synthetic chemicals and additives, and allowing the vineyard and grapes to speak for themselves. The winery's vineyards, located at altitudes ranging from 600 to 1,000 meters above sea level, benefit from the rich, volcanic soils and diverse microclimates of Mount Etna. These conditions provide an ideal environment for growing indigenous grape varieties such as Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, and Carricante.
At Azienda Agricola Frank Cornelissen, the approach to viticulture is meticulous and holistic. The vineyards are managed with minimal intervention, encouraging biodiversity and ecological balance. This commitment extends to the winemaking process, where grapes are harvested by hand and fermented using only native yeasts. The wines are aged in neutral vessels, such as epoxy-coated terracotta jars and fiberglass tanks, to avoid imparting any external flavors and to preserve the natural character of the grapes.
One of the most notable aspects of Cornelissen's wines is their raw, unfiltered nature. Each bottle captures the essence of the vineyard, reflecting the unique terroir of Mount Etna. The wines are known for their vibrant acidity, complex minerality, and profound depth of flavor. They often exhibit earthy, smoky notes, with a remarkable ability to age gracefully over time.
The winery's flagship wine, Magma, is a testament to Frank Cornelissen's dedication to excellence. Made from 100% Nerello Mascalese, Magma is a powerful yet elegant expression of Etna's terroir, characterized by its intense fruit, layered complexity, and long, nuanced finish. Other notable wines include MunJebel, a series of single-vineyard Nerello Mascalese wines, and Susucaru, a fresh and lively blend that showcases the diversity of Etna's indigenous varieties.
Azienda Agricola Frank Cornelissen is not just a winery; it's a philosophy and a way of life. Each bottle is a journey into the heart of Mount Etna, offering a taste of the land's rich history and natural beauty. For wine enthusiasts seeking an authentic, unadulterated experience, Frank Cornelissen's wines are a compelling and unforgettable choice.
So..What's natural wine again?
- No synthetic molecules in the vines
- Plowing or other solutions to avoid chemical herbicides
- Use of indigenous yeast
- Handpicked grapes
- Low to no filtering
- Low to no sulfites
- Winemaking that respects the grapes: no pumping or rough handling
of the grapes - no micro-oxygenation
Not all of our wines are natural; some are simply organic or sustainable.
However, they're all delicious and good for you!