Italy

Susucaru Rosato Rosé 2021,

Frank Cornelissen
The color is intense pink, the nose carries citrus and white flowers, and the palate is fruity, dense, fresh, and delicious, with that delicate bitterness and melancholic bite that is the signature of this wine. Many aficionados eagerly await each vintage of this emblematic cuvée from the master of Etna, and some couldn't imagine their aperitif without it. Susucaru rosato delights rosé lovers and lesser fans alike, those familiar with natural wines and beginners alike. Can we really call it a rosé? Technically yes, in terms of taste and color, this little marvel is both a rosé and a thirst-quenching red. 25% Inzolia, 25% Malvasia, 25% Nerello Mascalese, 25% Moscadella, and all the vines grow directly on the slopes of Etna. A cuvée that remains true to itself.

To find out more
A major figure and universally respected figure in natural wine, Frank Cornelissen is a classic. This man of constant questioning lives in human and cosmic resonance with his contrasting terroir: he has demonstrated that the powerful minerality of a great volcanic soil can be enhanced by the naturalness of his wines. The brilliance, the integrity, and the exquisite fruitiness of his vintages earn him the admiration even of those who are reluctant to accept "natural." These are good introductory wines.
His Sicilian azienda is located in Passopisciaro, in the northern Etna Valley. It is, he says, the "Night Coast" of Etna for the great diversity of its wines spread over many locations (contrade) at different altitudes. The climate is continental and harsh, even snowy, in winter, but very warm and sunny from June to September. The altitude gives the wines tension and elegance. The vines coexist with a Mediterranean mixed crop: olive trees, almond trees, vegetable gardens... (Frank also produces olive oil). The vines range in age from forty to over one hundred years. The nineteen plots, covering twenty-four hectares in total, are all at altitude, between 600 and 900 meters, on several volcanic flows. They are all vinified separately: Frank decides on the blend based on the quality of the wines from each plot. In general, seven or eight vintages are produced in addition to the generic wines (rosé, basic red, and white). The soils are made up of different types of basalt, between powder and rock, with perfect drainage that allows for the production of concentrated and refined wines. Nerello Mascalese dominates the estate's grape varieties. This great traditional red grape variety from the northern valley of Etna is the only grape variety used in the great vintages. Its growing cycle is long, which allows the vine to work the soil and capture its minerality in the fruit. Other grape varieties include: Nerello Capuccio, Minella Bianco, Minella Nera, Alicante Bouschet, Malvasia, Cattaratto, Moscadella, Grecanico Dorato, Carricante, etc.

Susucaru Rosato Rosé 2022

Frank Cornelissen
The Susucaru Rosato blend is a tribute to Sicily and Mount Etna: 25% Insolia, 25% Malvasia, 25% Nerello Mascalese, 25% Moscadella, and all the vines grow directly on the slopes of Mount Etna. The color is intense pink, the nose carries citrus and white flowers, and the palate is fruity, dense, fresh, and delicious, with that delicate bitterness and melancholic bite that is the signature of this wine. Many aficionados are impatiently waiting for each vintage of this emblematic cuvée from the master of Etna, and some couldn't imagine their aperitif without it. Susucaru rosato delights rosé lovers and lesser fans alike, those initiated into natural wine as well as beginners. Can we really call it a rosé? Technically yes, in terms of taste and color, this little marvel is both a rosé and a thirst-quenching red. A cuvée that remains true to itself. "Our rosé," explains Frank Cornelissen, "is produced with the same philosophy and winemaking techniques as all our other wines: skin-contact maceration for texture and territorial identity, fully completed malolactic fermentation for density, fluidity, and stability. It's not just a refreshing summer wine; it's also a "rosé" that can also be considered a light red, like a "Jura" wine, which pairs well with a wide variety of dishes." »

To find out more
A major figure and universally respected figure in natural wine, Frank Cornelissen is a classic. This man of constant questioning lives in human and cosmic resonance with his contrasting terroir: he has demonstrated that the powerful minerality of a great volcanic soil can be enhanced by the naturalness of his wines. The brilliance, the directness and the exquisite fruitiness of his vintages earn him the admiration even of those reluctant to accept "natural." They are good introductory wines.
His Sicilian azienda is located in Passopisciaro, in the north of the Etna valley. It is, he says, the "côte de Nuits" of Etna for the great diversity of its wines spread over numerous locations (contrade) at different altitudes. The climate is continental and harsh, even snowy, in winter, but very warm and sunny from June to September. The altitude gives the wines tension and elegance. The vines coexist with a Mediterranean mixed crop: olive trees, almond trees, vegetable gardens... (Frank also produces olive oil). The vines range in age from forty to over one hundred years. The nineteen plots, covering twenty-four hectares in total, are all at altitude, between 600 and 900 meters, on several volcanic flows. They are all vinified separately: Frank decides on the blend based on the quality of the wines from each plot. In general, seven or eight vintages are produced in addition to the generic wines (rosé, basic red, and white). The soils are made of different types of basalt, between powder and rock, with perfect drainage that allows for concentrated and refined wines. Nerello Mascalese dominates the estate's grape varieties. This great traditional red grape variety from the northern valley of Etna is the only grape variety used in the great vintages. Its growing cycle is long, which allows the vine to work the soil and capture its minerality in the fruit. Other grape varieties include: Nerello Cappuccio, Minella Bianco, Minella Nera, Alicante Bouschet, Malvasia, Cattaratto, Moscadella, Grecanico Dorato, Carricante…

Munjebel Rosso Red 2017

Frank Cornelissen

The Munjebel 2017 from Frank Cornelissen is the purest expression of Nerello Mascalese, the emblematic grape variety of Etna. This natural wine, with no added sulfites, comes from a careful blend of several plots in the northern valley of the volcano, some of which are responsible for the estate's most prestigious vintages: Zottorinoto-Chiusa Spagnolo, Feudo di Mezzo-Porcaria, and Pontale Palino. In addition, there are vines specially dedicated to this cuvée, located on the volcanic terroirs of Rampante, Piano Daini, and Crasà.

At first glance, its translucent ruby color and radiant seduces with its elegance. On the nose, the wine reveals an intense and refined aromatic palette: wild red fruits, black cherry, raspberry, mixed with touches of sweet spices and smoky minerality, typical of the basaltic soils of Etna. On the palate, the Munjebel 2017 combines depth and finesse. It presents structured but silky tannins, vibrant acidity and an almost airy texture reminiscent of certain great Burgundies. The balance between the richness of ripe fruit and the mineral tension makes this a wine of great complexity and remarkable length.

With its significant aging potential, this Munjebel gains depth with age, but can already be enjoyed today after decanting. Served between 16 and 18°C, it will pair wonderfully with grilled prime rib, lamb with wild herbs, or mushroom risotto.

Munjebel White 2019,

Frank Cornelissen

A key figure in natural wine, a universally respected figure in this category of wines, Frank Cornelissen is a classic. This man of constant questioning lives in human and cosmic resonance with his contrasting terroir: he has demonstrated that the powerful minerality of a great volcanic soil can be enhanced by the naturalness of his wines. The brilliance, integrity, and exquisite fruitiness of his vintages earn him the admiration even of those reluctant to accept "natural." They are good introductory wines.
His Sicilian azienda is located in Passopisciaro, in the northern Etna Valley. It is, he says, the "Night Coast" of Etna for the great diversity of its wines spread over many locations (contrade) at different altitudes. The climate is continental and harsh, even snowy, in winter, but very warm and sunny from June to September. The altitude gives the wines tension and elegance. The vines coexist with a Mediterranean polyculture: olive trees, almond trees, vegetable gardens... (Frank also produces olive oil). The age of the vines ranges from forty years to over one hundred years. The plots, nineteen in number, on twenty-four hectares in total, are all at altitude, between 600 and 900 meters, on several volcanic flows. They are all vinified separately: Frank decides on the blend based on the quality of the wines from each plot. In general, seven or eight vintages are made in addition to the generic wines (rosé, basic red and white). The soils are made up of different types of basalt, between powder and rock, with perfect drainage that allows for concentrated and fine wines.
Nerello Mascalese dominates the estate's grape varieties. This great traditional red grape variety from the northern valley of Etna is the only grape variety used in the great vintages. Its growing cycle is long, which allows the vine to work the soil and capture its minerality in the fruit. Other grape varieties include: Nerello Capuccio, Minella Bianco, Minella Nera, Alicante Bouschet, Malvasia, Cattaratto, Moscadella, Grecanico Dorato, Carricante...
Produced on mid-altitude plots from Grecanico Dorato and Carricante in equal parts, on the Calderara, Borriglione, Crasà and Picciolo plots, this white is very ripe. It combines beautiful concentration, freshness, and oriental aromas: orange blossom, jasmine, dried apricot. The vines are over forty years old; the grapes are destemmed, lightly crushed, and macerated for about four days. No fining, no sulfiting, and light filtration before bottling. This wine pairs well with an almost infinite variety of dishes, meat and fish, oysters and shellfish, and all Asian cuisines.

Munjebel White 2020,

Frank Cornelissen

The white version of the Munjebel cuvée combines beautiful concentration, freshness, and oriental aromas: orange blossom, jasmine, and dried apricot. Produced on mid-altitude plots from equal parts Grecanico Dorato and Carricante, in the Calderara, Borriglione, Crasà, and Picciolo plots, this white wine is extremely mature. The vines are over forty years old; the grapes are destemmed, lightly crushed, and macerated for about four days. No fining, no sulfiting, and lightly filtered before bottling. This wine will pair with an almost infinite variety of dishes, meat and fish, oysters and shellfish, and all Asian cuisines.

To find out more
A great must-have and universally respected figure in natural wine, Frank Cornelissen is a classic. This man of constant questioning lives in human and cosmic resonance with his contrasting terroir: he has demonstrated that the powerful minerality of a great volcanic soil could be highlighted by the naturalness of his wines. The brilliance, the directness and the exquisite fruitiness of his vintages earn him the admiration even of those reluctant to go "natural". They are good initiation wines.
His Sicilian azienda is located in Passopisciaro, in the northern Etna valley. It is, he says, the "Night Coast" of Etna for the great diversity of its wines spread over many locations (contrade) at different altitudes. The climate is continental and harsh, even snowy, in winter, but very warm and sunny from June to September. The altitude gives the wines tension and elegance. The vines coexist with a Mediterranean polyculture: olive trees, almond trees, vegetable gardens... (Frank also produces olive oil). The age of the vines ranges from forty years to over one hundred years. The plots, nineteen in number, on twenty-four hectares in total, are all at altitude, between 600 and 900 meters, on several volcanic flows. They are all vinified separately: Frank decides on the blend based on the quality of the wines from each plot. In general, seven or eight vintages are made in addition to the generic wines (rosé, basic red and white). The soils are made up of different types of basalt, between powder and rock, with perfect drainage that allows for the production of concentrated and fine wines.
Nerello Mascalese dominates the estate's grape varieties. This great traditional red grape variety from the northern valley of Etna is the only grape variety used in the great vintages. Its growing cycle is long, which allows the vine to work the soil and capture its minerality in the fruit. Other grape varieties include: Nerello Capuccio, Minella Bianco, Minella Nera, Alicante Bouschet, Malvasia, Cattaratto, Moscadella, Grecanico Dorato, Carricante…

Crucella Red 2020,

La Vinicola di Antonio Gismondi

Crucella is known for its undergrowth, mineral, and earthy nose, a lively and acidic attack on the palate, red fruits, cherry on the retro-olfaction, and tannins less present than the deep color would suggest. Certainly a good wine for laying down that will blossom with time. The only red from the estate, it is a beautiful blend of Merlot (33%), Sangiovese (34%), and the ancient local grape variety Freisa (33%), which imparts a slight hint of musky red fruit, but the overall wine is well balanced. The harvest macerates for five or six days in stainless steel vats, then the wine is aged for seven to ten months in the same type of vat.

Find out more
Antonio Gismondi's azienda is located in Cerreto Sanita, in the Benevento region of Campania. A microclimate gives this area an almost continental feel: humid winds from the Tyrrhenian Sea collide with the first ramparts of the Apennine mountain range, causing condensation in the air and lowering temperatures, which are significantly cooler and more humid than on the coast. If we add a temperature inversion phenomenon between day and night, which is common in the Apennine climate, the freshness of the wines from the Antonio Gismondi estate is nothing mysterious in this southern Italy, which is nevertheless known for its very hot climate. The estate is family-run: for generations, the Gismondi family has cultivated vines and made wine using the most traditional and natural methods, to which biodynamic techniques are added. For a long time, of the fifteen tons of grapes produced each year, one ton was reserved for on-site winemaking for family consumption, with the rest going to the local wine cooperative. It was their meeting with Massimo Marchiori and Antonella of Partida Creus that led Antonio and his wife Anabel to start producing natural wines at home from the entire harvest. The two-hectare vineyard is located between 350 and 380 meters above sea level, on clay and stony soils, with two-thirds facing south. The grape varieties are Merlot, Freisa and Sangiovese for the reds, and Falanghina and Malvasia di Candia for the whites.x

Magnum Munjebel VA Red 2016

Frank Cornelissen
This pure Nerello Mascalese produced under the IGP Terre Siciliane comes from the basalt soils of the three highest plots (Vigne Alte) of the Cornelissen estate, rich in biodiversity: Tartaraci (1,000 m above sea level), Monte Dolce (870 m), and Pettinociarelle (890 m). It perfectly expresses the excellence of the old, ungrafted Nerello Mascalese vines grown on the high terraces of the northern valley of Etna. It is the estate's most Burgundian vintage, with the most pronounced acidity. A balanced, structured, gourmet, and easy-to-drink cuvée, it offers plenty of crisp fruit without ever being too easy. A certain bite and freshness typical of the estate. A perfect table red, it pairs well with roasted farm-raised chicken.
Natural wine with no added sulfites.

Susucaru Rosato Rosé 2024

Frank Cornelissen

With Susucaru Rosato 2024, Frank Cornelissen continues to push the boundaries of rosé. Born on the volcanic slopes of Etna, this Sicilian wine with a pale color and intense nuances is much more than a thirst-quenching rosé: it's a terroir-driven rosé, complex, structured, and deeply vibrant.

Made from a unique blend of indigenous grape varieties – Nerello Mascalese, Malvasia, Moscadella, and Catarratto – harvested by hand, this IGP Terre Siciliane wine is crafted without compromise: destemmed maceration for one week, fermentation with indigenous yeasts, no oenological additives, and a one-year aging in epoxy tanks to preserve the purity of the fruit.

The terroir plays a major role here. The black volcanic soils of Etna bring a striking mineral tension, almost saline, which structures the whole. On the nose, there's great aromatic complexity: fresh red fruits, white pepper, dried rose petals, and a slightly smoky touch. On the palate, it's a textured wine, between the fluidity of a rosé and the depth of a light red. The finish is long, persistent, marked by a noble bitterness and an almost tannic sensation.

Susucaru Rosato is a chameleon wine: perfect as an aperitif, with grilled meats, artisanal charcuterie, spicy dishes, or seared red meats. Served slightly chilled, it can also be cellared for a few years to reveal other facets. A cult, sought-after cuvée, at the crossroads of tradition and experimentation.

Munjebel Red 2022,

Frank Cornelissen

The traditional essence of Etna in an iconic cuvée
The Munjebel 2022, a pure Nerello Mascalese, is a true ode to the unique terroirs of the northern Etna valley. Made with grapes from the estate's best plots (Zottorinoto-Chiusa Spagnolo, Feudo di Mezzo-Sottana, Porcaria) and from vineyards selected for this cuvée (Rampante Sottana, Piano Daini, and Crasà), this wine reflects Frank Cornelissen's vision of a balanced, traditional, and rich wine. Vinified in destemmed maceration for one month and aged briefly in vats, it combines freshness and maturity.

A rich and spicy Nerello Mascalese
The Munjebel 2022 seduces with its bright and deep ruby ​​color. On the nose, it reveals captivating aromas of spices, ripe red fruits and a minerality typical of basalt soils. On the palate, it impresses with its elegant structure and fine tannins, perfectly balanced by a fruity sweetness and vibrant freshness. The finish, long and harmonious, leaves a spicy and slightly saline imprint, characteristic of the great wines of Etna. Best enjoyed between 14 and 16°C, after decanting to express all its richness.

A gastronomic wine par excellence
This generous and balanced red is the ideal companion to grilled or sauced red meats, Mediterranean-flavored stews and mature cheeses. It fits perfectly into a gourmet meal, enhancing each bite with its aromatic complexity.

With extended aging potential, the Munjebel 2022 stands out as a classic and masterful interpretation of Nerello Mascalese, rooted in tradition and enhanced by Cornelissen's expertise.

Vino Rosso Delle Grotte Red 2015

Corvagialla
Sangiovese on volcanic soil.

First vintage from Béatrice Artweiller and supervised by Gianmarco Antonuzzi of Le Coste. 100% Sangiovese grape from Lazzio. Aged 6 months in oak barrels and 6 months in bottle. A light and floral red.
Natural wine with no added sulfites.

Crucella Red 2019

La Vinicola di Antonio Gismondi

The estate's only red, Crucella is a beautiful blend of Merlot, Sangiovese, and the ancient local Freisa grape variety, which imparts a slight hint of musky red fruit, but the Sangiovese dominates. The harvest macerates for five or six days in stainless steel vats, then the wine is aged for seven to ten months in the same type of vat. Crucella is characterized by a nose of undergrowth, mineral and earthy, a lively and acidic attack on the palate, red fruit, cherry on the retro-olfaction, and tannins that are less present than the deep color would suggest. Definitely a good wine for laying down that will blossom over time.
Natural wine with no added sulfites.

Susucaru Rosso Red 2024

Frank Cornelissen

Frank Cornelissen's Susucaru Rosso, now a cult wine, takes us to the heart of Etna's black lands for a unique expression of natural Sicilian red wine. Produced as IGP Terre Siciliane, this 2024 vintage is a blend of Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Capuccio, Minnella, Alicante Bouschet, and Uva Francesa, organically grown on high-altitude volcanic soils.

A natural wine, precise and profound

The grapes are destemmed then macerated for a month, before fermentation with indigenous yeasts without the addition of oenological inputs. Aging takes place for one year in epoxy tanks, a neutral material that preserves the integrity of the fruit and the finesse of the terroir. Here, everything is done to translate the minerality and tension of Etna's slopes, while maintaining remarkable drinkability.

Between finesse and structure

The nose is intensely floral and fruity, blending violet, dark fruits, sweet spices, and a slightly smoky touch. On the palate, the texture is tannic but fluid, with a lively attack, a generous core, and a peppery, saline, energetic finish. The style is both rustic and modern, elegant but unadorned.

Decant and share

Serve decanted for 30 minutes, between 16 and 18 °C. Susucaru Rosso pairs well with spicy dishes, red meats, grilled foods, charcuterie, or simply as an aperitif for those who appreciate natural red wines with strong personalities. Aging potential: up to 5 years.

Vino Bianco White 2022,

Corva Gialla

An emblematic white cuvée from Azienda Corva Gialla, Vino Bianco is only produced in the finest vintages. Fresh and fruity, this Vino da Tavola (table wine) offers a golden yellow color with amber highlights and a surprisingly rich nose of exotic fruits. White flowers, Mediterranean herbs, candied fruits... And despite this aromatic opulence, the wine reveals itself on the palate as clean, tangy, mineral, and intense, and stands out for its sapidity due to the volcanic soils. All of this makes it a balanced wine, suitable for all occasions. Vino Bianco is a blend of three grape varieties: Grechetto, Trebbiano, and Procanico. It comes from vines of varying ages planted at an altitude of 450 meters on a west-facing plot of volcanic soil. The harvest is hand-picked and destemmed. A small starter is prepared, while the rest of the harvest is pressed directly and added to the starter. The whole thing ferments and rests in fiberglass tanks until bottling in March.

Learn more

Azienda Corva Gialla (“yellow crow”) is a winery in Lazio, Italy, located on the edge of Umbria in the Alta Tuscia Viterbese. A volcanic region considered one of the most beautiful in Italy and characterized by its calanches, tall tuff rock formations delineating deep valleys carved by numerous streams and torrents. Corva Gialla is located in Lubriano, opposite Cività di Bagnoregio. Alta Tuscia is a breeding ground for young winemaking talents dedicated to nature who are enhancing these lands that have been neglected throughout history. Founded in 2017, the estate covers four hectares cultivated by Beatrice Arweiler, originally from another wine-growing region, between the Rhine and the Moselle. The new owner has also planted an olive grove (Frantoio and Leccino varieties) and developed the estate into a mixed crop-livestock system. The vines were planted with the help of Gian Marco Antonuzzi, from the Le Coste estate. The crumbly volcanic soil lends itself beautifully to viticulture and the planting of grape varieties such as Grechetto d'Umbria, Trebbiano, Vermentino, Sangiovese, and Ciliegiolo. The estate's wines are quintessentially Italian, meaning they are crafted primarily for enjoyment. They are straightforward, deep, and easy to drink, expressing the strong minerality of their soils.

Munjebel MC Rouge 2016, Frank Cornelissen
This pure Nerello Mascalese comes from the Contrada Monte Colla, a very steep, terraced plot with magnificent sun and wind exposure, just opposite Mount Etna. The soil is sandy clay. The vines, planted in 1946, produce a rich, powerful, and elegant wine. It's a bit like Etna's hermitage. The harvest is destemmed and lightly crushed, then macerated for sixty days. No fining, filtration before bottling.
Natural wine with no added sulfites.

Plenus White 2015

Azienda Agricola Marina Palusci

Terroir, plot size and grape varieties

The 2015 Plenus was born in the vibrant Abruzzo region, in Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, where the Pecorino grape finds a unique expression. Grown on clay-limestone soils, this indigenous variety unfolds a generous character, carried by the mineral energy of the terroir. It is a wine of place, shaped by the curves of the Italian hills and the discreet hand of the team at Azienda Marina Palusci.

Cultivation methods

Here, the vines grow freely, without chemical fertilizers or synthetic products. Massimiliano D'Addario cultivates them with patience and conviction, with complete respect for life. The harvest, carried out with care, is followed by the most natural winemaking possible: spontaneous fermentation, extended aging of more than twelve months, and no added sulfites at any stage. The wine is bottled with a screw cap, a pragmatic choice to preserve its original brilliance.

Tasting & pairings

In the glass, the 2015 Plenus reveals an aromatic palette as rich as it is nuanced: white peach, fresh thyme, white pepper, candied citrus, quince, toasted almond, and a touch of brioche that hints at its slow and graceful evolution. The palate is ample and vibrant, traversed by a lively acidity and a smoky minerality, like a breath of warm rock. An expressive, elegant, and slightly unruly natural white wine, ideal for lovers of wines with a free spirit. It pairs wonderfully with juicy poultry, aged cheeses, or briny seafood. Best enjoyed between 10 and 12°C, or cellared for a few more years.

Magma Red 2020

Cornelissen

Magma is Frank Cornelissen's classic red grand cru. Produced organically (Eurofeuille label) and biodynamically, and classified as DOP (AOP) Sicilia-IGP Terre Siciliane Nerello Mascalese, it is a wine for laying down, produced only in great vintages, when phenolic maturity is reached. It comes from old, ungrafted Nerello Mascalese vines, planted in 1910 on the Barbabecchi contrada, at an altitude of 910 m, renowned for capturing the first rays of the sun in the cool of the morning.

Vinification

This natural, organic, and biodynamic wine is obtained by sixty days of skin maceration of destemmed and lightly crushed grapes. No fining, no addition of sulfites. Light filtration before bottling.

Tasting

Magma restores the remarkable depth of Nerello Mascalese. Rich and elegant, with a dense texture, it has character, personality, and great finesse. More mineral than fruity, it offers notes of secondary fruits (blackberry, prune) and melted tannins. This great wine requires great dishes: we recommend stewed beef or coq au vin. So think about a can of Isabelle Leydier Delavallade or Fermiers du Bord de Sèvre.

Learn more about Frank Cornelissen

A key and universally respected figure in natural, organic and biodynamic wine, the Belgian Frank Cornelissen, a winemaker conquered by Sicily, is a classic. This man of constant questioning lives in human and cosmic resonance with his terroir: he has demonstrated that the powerful minerality of a great volcanic soil could be highlighted by the naturalness of his wines.

An ideal terroir for plot-by-plot vinification

In Passopisciaro, Sicily, in the north of the Etna valley, the 19 plots cover 24 hectares of basalt soils spread over numerous localities (contrade) between 600 and 900 meters above sea level on the side of the volcano. It is, says Frank Cornelissen, the "Night Coast of Sicily". Frank Cornelissen's contrade are all cultivated biodynamically and vinified separately: he decides on the blends based on the quality of each.

The nobility of Nerello Mascalese

Nerello Mascalese is the dominant variety and alone makes up the greatest vintages. This traditional red grape variety from the northern Etna valley produces hypermineral wines due to its long growing cycle. Other grape varieties in the azienda: Nerello Capuccio, Minella Bianco, Minella Nera, Alicante Bouschet, Malvasia, Catarratto, Moscadella, Grecanico Dorato, Carricante…

Magnum Munjebel White 2020,

Frank Cornelissen

The white version of the Munjebel cuvée combines beautiful concentration, freshness, and oriental aromas: orange blossom, jasmine, and dried apricot. Produced on mid-altitude plots from equal parts Grecanico Dorato and Carricante, in the Calderara, Borriglione, Crasà, and Picciolo plots, this white wine is extremely mature. The vines are over forty years old; the grapes are destemmed, lightly crushed, and macerated for about four days. No fining, no sulfiting, and lightly filtered before bottling. This wine will pair with an almost infinite variety of dishes, meat and fish, oysters and shellfish, and all Asian cuisines.

To find out more

A great must-have and universally respected figure in natural wine, Frank Cornelissen is a classic. This man of constant questioning lives in human and cosmic resonance with his contrasting terroir: he has demonstrated that the powerful minerality of a great volcanic soil can be highlighted by the naturalness of his wines. The brilliance, the directness and the exquisite fruitiness of his vintages earn him the admiration even of those reluctant to go "natural". They are good initiation wines.

His Sicilian azienda is located in Passopisciaro, in the northern Etna valley. It is, he says, the "Night Coast" of Etna for the great diversity of its wines spread over many locations (contrade) at different altitudes. The climate is continental and harsh, even snowy, in winter, but very warm and sunny from June to September. The altitude gives the wines tension and elegance. The vines coexist with a Mediterranean polyculture: olive trees, almond trees, vegetable gardens... (Frank also produces olive oil). The age of the vines ranges from forty years to over one hundred years. The plots, nineteen in number, on twenty-four hectares in total, are all at altitude, between 600 and 900 meters, on several volcanic flows. They are all vinified separately: Frank decides on the blend based on the quality of the wines from each plot. In general, seven or eight vintages are made in addition to the generic wines (rosé, basic red and white). The soils are made up of different types of basalt, between powder and rock, with perfect drainage that allows for the production of concentrated and fine wines.

Nerello Mascalese dominates the estate's grape varieties. This great traditional red grape variety from the northern valley of Etna is the only grape variety used in the great vintages. Its growing cycle is long, which allows the vine to work the soil and capture its minerality in the fruit. Other grape varieties include: Nerello Capuccio, Minella Bianco, Minella Nera, Alicante Bouschet, Malvasia, Cattaratto, Moscadella, Grecanico Dorato, Carricante…

Le Coste Red 2010

Le Coste

Le Coste Rosso is a blend of Grechetto and Sangiovese grown in the basalt terroirs of Azienda Le Coste. With lovely acidity, fresh and pure, it's an excellent table wine for all occasions, just as the Italians know how to make it: 100% pleasure. Intensely indulgent.
A natural wine with no added sulfites.

Vino Rosso Cereza Rouge 2016

Corvagialla
This single-variety Ciliegiolo comes from vines planted at an altitude of 450 meters on a west-facing plot of volcanic soil. The harvest is destemmed and macerated for approximately three weeks, with daily pumping over or punching down as needed. Aging is six months in chestnut barrels.
A natural wine with no added sulfites.