# Susucaru Rosato (2023)

- **Producer:** Frank Cornelissen
- **Colour:** rosé
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Nerello Mascalese, Malvasia, Moscadella, Catarratto
- **Region:** Sicilia, Italy
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 11.5%
- **Average price:** €33
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 12–15 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** orange, strawberry, cherry, rose, fennel

## About this wine

Frank Cornelissen founded his estate on Mount Etna in 2001, pioneering low-intervention winemaking in northern Sicily. The Susucaru Rosato is sourced from un-grafted old bush vines averaging over 50 years of age planted across high-altitude sites including Picciolo, Calderara, and Feudo di Mezzo. The 2023 vintage faced significant climate challenges across Etna, including severe spring downy mildew and localized hail, resulting in drastically reduced yields but yielding exceptional concentration and aromatic clarity in the surviving harvest.

## Interesting facts

- Vineyards are situated at extreme elevations between 600 and 980 meters on Mount Etna.
- Vines average over 50 years old and are cultivated as un-grafted alberello bush vines.
- The 2023 vintage experienced severe crop reductions up to 70% across Mount Etna.
- Aged entirely in neutral epoxy and fiberglass tanks to eliminate oak influence.

## Food pairing

This structured volcanic rosé possesses electric acidity and mild phenolic grip, allowing it to seamlessly complement light meats, rich seafood, tomato dishes, and creamy cheeses.

## Wine making process

Grapes are hand-harvested from high-elevation volcanic slopes trained in the traditional alberello system. Vinification begins with destemming and light crushing, followed by spontaneous fermentation using indigenous yeasts (pied-de-cuve) and approximately 10 days of skin contact. The wine ages for 10 months in neutral epoxy-lined and fiberglass tanks without any oak contact. It is bottled unfined with minimal filtration and low added sulfur.