Susucaru Patos 23

A rare departure from Mount Etna for natural wine pioneer Frank Cornelissen — Susucaru Patos began as a collaboration with his Norwegian importer and musician Sondre Lerche, and only recently escaped Norway for the rest of the world. 100% Catarratto Extra Lucido from 20-year-old organically farmed vines in Menfi, on Sicily's southwestern coast, sees ten days on the skins with wild-yeast fermentation, emerging highly aromatic: orange zest, quince, honey, ginger, and almond over a fresh, saline, mineral finish. A light-footed orange wine with real grip — only about 6,000 bottles made each year.

Wine Details:Grapes: 100% Catarratto Extra Lucido

ABV: Approx. 11.5%

Region: Menfi, southwest Sicily, Italy (IGP Terre Siciliane)

Farming / Practices: Organic, hand-harvested; spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, ~10 days skin contact, aged ~10 months in neutral vessels, unfined, minimal sulfur

Producer: Frank Cornelissen, Sicily; estate founded 2001

Bottle Size: 750ml