Frank Cornelissen is one of the most influential and distinctive producers on the slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily. Originally from Belgium, Cornelissen established his estate in Passopisciaro in 2001 with the aim of producing wines that express the unique volcanic terroir of Etna with as little intervention as possible. The estate farms organically without herbicides or synthetic chemicals, relying on old bush vines planted on black volcanic soils at elevations of 600–1,000 metres. Fermentations are carried out with indigenous yeasts, and the wines are produced with minimal sulphur, no fining and no filtration. Susucaru Rosso has become one of the estate's cult wines, offering a vibrant, approachable introduction to Cornelissen's distinctive Etna style.

The 2020 Susucaru Rosso is made primarily from Nerello Mascalese, sourced from organically farmed vineyards on Etna's northern slopes. Fermentation takes place spontaneously with native yeasts, followed by ageing in inert vessels to preserve the wine's purity and freshness rather than emphasising oak influence. Light- to medium-bodied, it combines bright red fruit, lively acidity and pronounced volcanic minerality with the savoury complexity that characterises Etna wines. The style is energetic, transparent and highly drinkable, reflecting Cornelissen's low-intervention philosophy.

Bright ruby red in colour, the nose opens with aromas of fresh cherry, wild strawberry and cranberry, complemented by hints of smoke, volcanic ash, dried herbs and rose petals. With air, subtle notes of blood orange, liquorice and spice emerge. The palate is fresh and vibrant, offering juicy red berry fruit framed by crisp acidity and fine, chalky tannins. A distinctive mineral character runs through the wine, leading to a savoury, persistent finish with lingering notes of crushed stone and spice. The 2020 vintage is particularly noted for its balance, purity and energetic expression of Etna's volcanic terroir.

" Described Susucaru as balancing smoke, strawberry, red cherry, exotic spice and flinty minerality with finesse and bright acidity. This remains the highest major international score published for the wine. " -- Wine Enthusiast, Kerin O'Keefe