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La Sicile : Une Région Viticole Unique Une Histoire Riche et Séculaire
La viticulture sicilienne est l’une des plus anciennes du bassin méditerranéen. Dès l’Antiquité, les Phéniciens introduisirent des cépages et diffusèrent leur savoir-faire. Les Grecs, ensuite, apportèrent des innovations majeures, notamment les techniques de taille, marquant un tournant dans la culture de la vigne. Sous l’Empire romain, les vins siciliens , tels que le Malvasia et le Mamertino, devinrent prisés à travers tout l’Empire. Cependant, la conquête musulmane au IXe siècle interrompit cette dynamique, la production de vin étant proscrite par la loi islamique.
Ce n’est qu’au XVIIIe siècle que le vin sicilien connut un nouvel essor, grâce à John Woodhouse, un commerçant anglais qui développa le célèbre vin fortifié Marsala. Ce vin, enrichi en alcool pour le transport maritime, ouvrit la voie à la reconnaissance internationale des vins siciliens . Au XXe siècle, malgré les ravages du phylloxéra, la Sicile modernisa ses techniques et introduisit des appellations comme les DOC et DOCG, renforçant sa position sur la scène viticole mondiale. Les contributions des Phéniciens restent une pierre angulaire de cette riche histoire.
Un Terroir Marqué par l’Etna et la Diversité Géologique
La Sicile est une île volcanique dont le paysage est façonné par l’Etna, le plus grand volcan actif d’Europe. Culminant à 3 313 mètres, l’Etna influence profondément la viticulture locale. Ses sols volcaniques, riches en minéraux, offrent un environnement unique, particulièrement favorable aux cépages autochtones tels que le Nerello Mascalese et le Nerello Cappuccio.. Les vignobles situés sur les pentes du volcan, entre 300 et 1 000 mètres d’altitude, bénéficient d’une exposition optimale et de variations de températures importantes entre le jour et la nuit, favorisant la maturation des raisins et la complexité aromatique des vins.
Au-delà de l’Etna, l’île présente une géologie variée. Les sols calcaires du sud-est, fertiles et drainants, sont idéaux pour des cépages comme le Néro d’Avola. Les plaines alluviales de Catane et de Licata, quant à elles, offrent un substrat riche pour des cultures diversifiées, tandis que les collines de l’intérieur et les chaînes montagneuses de l’ouest présentent des terrains propices à une viticulture de qualité.
Un Climat Méditerranéen avec des Contrastes Prononcés
Le climat sicilien est typiquement méditerranéen, caractérisé par des hivers doux et humides et des étés chauds et secs. Toutefois, les variations climatiques au sein de l’île sont importantes. Le sud, aride et balayé par le sirocco – un vent chaud et sec venu du désert africain – est idéal pour les cépages résistants tels que le Grillo et le Catarratto. Les zones montagneuses et les pentes de l’Etna profitent de températures plus fraîches, favorisant des vins élégants et bien équilibrés.
Malgré une pluviométrie annuelle modérée, concentrée entre octobre et avril, la gestion de l’eau reste cruciale, surtout en été où les besoins des cultures augmentent considérablement. Les systèmes modernes d’irrigation, comme le goutte-à-goutte, ont permis de sécuriser les rendements tout en limitant les impacts du stress hydrique, bien que des défis environnementaux subsistent.
Une Terre d’Innovation et de Tradition
La Sicile d’aujourd’hui est un modèle de coexistence entre tradition et innovation. Ses cépages autochtones, comme le Néro d’Avola, le Frappato, le Grillo et l’Inzolia, sont le reflet d’un patrimoine viticole exceptionnel et diversifié. Les viticulteurs siciliens, tout en s’appuyant sur ce patrimoine, adoptent des pratiques modernes pour optimiser la qualité et la durabilité.
Des zones comme l’Etna DOC, où les vins expriment pleinement le terroir volcanique, et le Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG, reconnu pour ses assemblages délicats, illustrent le savoir-faire de l’île. Par ailleurs, la reconversion progressive vers des modes de production biologiques et naturels témoigne d’un engagement fort en faveur de la préservation de l’environnement.
La Sicile : Une Invitation à la Découverte
La viticulture sicilienne est bien plus qu’une industrie : elle incarne l’âme de l’île. Des rouges puissants et élégants issus des pentes de l’Etna aux blancs frais et fruités des plaines côtières, chaque bouteille raconte l’histoire de ce territoire unique. Avec son patrimoine, sa diversité géologique et son climat exceptionnel, la Sicile reste une destination incontournable pour les amateurs de vin et de découvertes authentiques.
Les Vignerons Présents dans Notre Boutique Abbazia San Giorgio
Situé sur l’île de Pantelleria, Abbazia San Giorgio est un domaine viticole emblématique fondé en 2015 par Battista Belvisi et Beppe Fontana. Le vignoble s'étend sur 3,5 hectares à Khamma, où des cépages autochtones tels que le Zibibbo, le Carignano et le Nerello Mascalese sont cultivés selon des méthodes biodynamiques. Les vignes, âgées de 60 ans en moyenne, sont travaillées en alberello, une technique classée au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO. Abbazia San Giorgio est reconnu pour ses vins naturels, fermentés avec des levures indigènes et sans sulfites ajoutés, qui capturent l'essence de l'île volcanique et son caractère unique.
Corvagialla
Fondé en 2007 par Beatrice Arweiler, Corvagialla est un domaine familial situé dans le Latium . Certifié biologique depuis 2018, il applique des pratiques agricoles régénératives et une philosophie "0/0" dans la cave, sans aucun intrant ni manipulation chimique. Les vins de Corvagialla , élaborés par Niccolo Arweiler depuis 2021, reflètent l'interaction entre le sol et les saisons. Avec une production axée sur la durabilité et le respect de la nature, ce domaine offre des vins uniques, fidèles à leur origine.
Gismondi
Antonio et Anabel Gismondi perpétuent une tradition familiale à Cerreto Sannita, dans les montagnes du Bénévent. Sur 2 hectares de vignes biologiques plantées à 350-380 mètres d'altitude, ils cultivent des cépages autochtones comme la Malvasia di Candia, la Falanghina et le Sangiovese. Depuis 2019, ils produisent des vins naturels sans intrants, élevés en cuves inox, qui marient la fraîcheur montagnarde et les arômes du sud de l’Italie.
Frank Cornelissen : L’Incontournable Vigneron de Sicile
Frank Cornelissen , notre principal vigneron sicilien, est installé sur les pentes nord de l’Etna, à des altitudes variant entre 600 et 1 000 mètres. Fondé en 2001, son domaine s'étend sur 24 hectares, dont 13 hectares de vieilles vignes en alberello, un système traditionnel qui valorise les cépages autochtones comme le Nerello Mascalese .
Cornelissen adopte une approche radicale en agriculture, évitant autant que possible les traitements, y compris biologiques, pour préserver l'équilibre naturel. Ses vignes cohabitent avec des arbres fruitiers, des cultures régénératives et des abeilles pour recréer un écosystème durable. Ses faibles rendements (300 à 600 g par pied) et ses vendanges tardives garantissent des raisins d'une maturité parfaite.
Les vins de Cornelissen , comme le prestigieux Magma®, sont une référence mondiale. Produite à partir de Nerello Mascalese sur des sols d'exception, cette cuvée incarne l’excellence. À côté, les MunJebel® et Susucaru® proposent des expressions accessibles tout en reflétant l’authenticité de l’Etna.
Cornelissen se distingue par ses vinifications délicates dans des cuves neutres ou des amphores en terre cuite, préservant l’identité minérale et profonde du terroir. Il est aujourd’hui reconnu comme une figure de proue des vins naturels, offrant des créations uniques qui capturent l'essence volcanique de la Sicile.
Les Cépages Emblématiques de Sicile Cépages Rouges Néro d’Avola
Le Néro d’Avola, raisin rouge emblématique de Sicile, tire son nom de la ville d’Avola près de Syracuse. Cultivé principalement dans les plaines calcaires du sud-est de l’île, ce cépage propose des vins aux teintes intenses et aux arômes complexes. Il est réputé pour sa capacité à équilibrer sucre et acidité dans les régions chaudes, produisant des vins allant du fruité léger au complexe et charpenté. Souvent assemblé avec le frappato ou des cépages internationaux comme le Syrah et le Cabernet Sauvignon, le Néro d’Avola est une pierre angulaire des IGT Sicilia Rosso, incarnant la diversité et le potentiel de l’île.
Frappato
Ancien raisin rouge sicilien, le Frappato est principalement cultivé dans les provinces de Raguse et de Syracuse, deux régions réputées pour leur production viticole. Apprécié pour ses arômes délicats de fruits rouges frais, il est souvent assemblé au Néro d’Avola pour produire le célèbre Cerasuolo di Vittoria, la seule DOCG de Sicile. Léger, fruité et floral, il incarne la finesse dans les vins siciliens et constitue une alternative rafraîchissante aux rouges plus corsés.
Nerello Mascalese
Typique des pentes de l’Etna, le Nerello Mascalese s’épanouit entre 300 et 1 000 mètres d’altitude. Ce cépage tardif donne des vins rouges clairs, aromatiques et généreux en alcool, souvent assemblés avec d’autres variétés locales dans les DOC Etna et Faro. Avec ses arômes subtils et sa capacité à exprimer le terroir volcanique, il séduit les amateurs de vins élégants et de caractère.
Cépages Blancs Catarratto
Le Catarratto, cépage blanc le plus planté en Sicile, est une véritable star locale. Principalement cultivé dans l’ouest de l’île, il était historiquement utilisé pour le Marsala, mais se distingue aujourd’hui dans des vins blancs secs. Avec des arômes de pêche blanche, de citron et de fleurs, il produit des vins fruités et ronds, souvent assemblés pour renforcer leur complexité.
Inzolia
Originaire de l’ouest de la Sicile, l’Inzolia, aussi appelée Ansonica , est reconnue pour ses parfums floraux et ses notes d’amande. Bien qu’il manque parfois de corps en monocépage, il excelle en assemblage avec le Catarratto ou le Chardonnay. Utilisé pour le Marsala et les vins jeunes, l’Inzolia apporte une fraîcheur et une finesse typiquement siciliennes.
Grillo
Le Grillo, autre cépage blanc emblématique, était autrefois réservé au Marsala. Depuis les années 1990, il brille dans les vins blancs secs avec des parfums de pêche, de poire et d’ananas. Polyvalent, il est vinifié seul ou en assemblage avec l’Inzolia et le Catarratto, et s’adapte aussi bien aux élevages en cuve qu’en fût.
Grecanico
Introduit durant l’Antiquité grecque, le Grecanico est cultivé dans toute la Sicile. Vigoureux et aromatique, ce raisin blanc offre des vins frais aux notes parfumées, florales et parfois amandées. Souvent comparé au Sauvignon, il exprime pleinement le terroir sicilien, seul ou en assemblage, et reste un pilier de la viticulture locale.
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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
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,
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,
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.
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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.
Munjebel Red 2022,
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.
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.
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.
Magma Red 2020
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,
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…
Magnum Munjebel Blanc 2016, Frank Cornelissen
Produced on mid-altitude plots from equal parts Grecanico Dorato and Carricante, on the Calderara, Borriglione, Crasà and Picciolo plots, this white is very mature. 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, light filtration before bottling. This wine will pair with an almost infinite variety of dishes, meat and fish, oysters and shellfish, and all Asian cuisines.
Natural wine with no added sulfites.
Produced on mid-altitude plots from equal parts Grecanico Dorato and Carricante, on the Calderara, Borriglione, Crasà and Picciolo plots, this white is very mature. 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, light filtration before bottling. This wine will pair with an almost infinite variety of dishes, meat and fish, oysters and shellfish, and all Asian cuisines.
Natural wine with no added sulfites.
Munjebel MC Red 2020
Cornelissen
Munjebel MC, an organic (Eurofeuille), biodynamic, and natural red wine from Sicily, is produced by Frank Cornelissen. It is classified DOP (PDO) Etna Rosso/IGP Terre Siciliane Nerello Mascalese. It comes from the Contrada Monte Colla, a very steep terraced plot, beautifully exposed to the sun and wind, directly opposite Mount Etna. The Nerello Mascalese vines, planted in 1946, grow on sandy-clay soil.
Vinification
The harvest is destemmed and lightly crushed, then macerated for sixty days on the skins. The wine is aged for 18 months in vats and 18 months in bottles. No fining, light filtration.
Tasting
Rich and powerful, with elegance, Munjebel MC is a bit like the hermitage of Etna. Intense color of a deep and saturated red, notes of red rose and wild red fruits. Body, richness and thickness, aromatic palate supported by a fresh acidity. You will pair it with red meats and Mediterranean dishes. Try a Bigorre black ham or a grilled or roasted wagyu from Maison Aitana.
Learn more about Frank Cornelissen
A key and universally respected figure in natural, organic, and biodynamic wine, Belgian Frank Cornelissen, a winemaker captivated 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 Red 2015
This Munjebel is a bouquet of wild red fruits, pure classic Nerello Mascalese, rich and aromatic, carrying all the crunch of ripe fruit, with a Pinot Noir edge and a brilliant translucent color. It comes from several plots, including those from which the azienda's greatest vintages come (Zottorinoto, Feudo di Mezzo-Porcaria, Pontale Palino), and from vines specially dedicated to this vintage: Rampante, Piano Daini, and Crasà. Among Frank Cornelissen's vintages, it best represents the typicality of the northern valley of Etna.
Natural wine without added sulfites.
Cloé Rosé 2017
Abbazia San Giorgio
Cloé is a Nerello Mascalese from the Sicilian estate Abbazia San Giorgio, planted on terraces. The grapes grow on volcanic soils poor in organic matter. Harvested at the end of September, they undergo a brief maceration, then are aged in stainless steel vats and chestnut barrels for 6 months. This is a rosé with character, boasting great freshness in addition to its floral aromas.
Munjebel VA White 2021,
A natural white from Etna combining freshness and complexity
The Munjebel VA 2021, by Frank Cornelissen, is an exceptional white wine made from the Carricante grape variety, grown on the unique basalt soils of Etna. Vinified using destemmed maceration and aged for six months in amphorae, it embodies the estate's biodynamic commitment to quality and respect for the terroir. This cuvée illustrates a perfect harmony between freshness, minerality, and aromatic complexity, offering a unique tasting experience.
A vibrant and expressive elegance
The pale yellow color with golden highlights of the Munjebel VA 2021 evokes its purity and freshness. On the nose, delicate aromas of citrus, zesty lemon, and white flowers mingle with a saline minerality typical of volcanic soils. On the palate, it seduces with its silky texture, liveliness, and perfect balance between tension and roundness. The long and persistent finish is marked by lemony nuances and a vibrant freshness. Best served between 10 and 12°C after decanting to reveal its full complexity.
A versatile wine for many pairings
The Munjebel VA 2021 pairs beautifully with seafood, shellfish, or grilled fish. It also elegantly accompanies Asian or Indian dishes, white meats, mushrooms, and fresh cheeses. Its balance makes it an ideal choice for both an aperitif and a gourmet meal.
With several years of aging potential, this natural white wine will delight lovers of authentic wines, offering a beautiful evolution in the bottle and a very interesting sensory experience.
Magnum Munjebel MC Red 2013,
The color is superbly intense, a deep, saturated red. Notes of red rose and wild red berries are very pronounced and powerful. A rich texture, body, and depth, with a rich and aromatic palate supported by fresh acidity. This is an already venerable vintage of this pure Nerello Mascalese, which comes from the Contrada Monte Colla (the meaning of the initials MC), a very steep, terraced plot with magnificent sun and wind exposure, directly 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 the hermitage of Etna. The harvest is destemmed and lightly crushed, then macerated for sixty days. No fining, light filtration before bottling.
To find out more
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 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 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 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…
Magnum Munjebel VA 2013
Frank Cornelissen
This pure Nerello Mascalese, produced under the IGP Terre Siciliane, comes from the basalt soils of the Cornelissen estate's three highest plots (Vigne Alte), 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 Etna's northern valley. 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.
Munjebel PA Red 2021,
Power and Refinement of Nerello Mascalese
The Munjebel PA 2021, crafted by the visionary Frank Cornelissen, is a masterful expression of the Nerello Mascalese grape variety, sourced from the prestigious Alberello Porcaria vineyard. Nestled at an altitude of 750 meters in the Contrada Feudo di Mezzo, this demanding terroir requires perfect conditions to achieve optimal ripeness. This 2021 vintage, marked by exceptional balance, reveals a wine that is both powerful and of rare elegance, illustrating the estate's expertise and natural philosophy.
A complete and harmonious red
The Munjebel PA 2021 opens with an intense ruby color, bursting with vitality. The nose releases deep and complex aromas of spices, ripe red fruits, and subtle volcanic notes. On the palate, it reveals a generous structure and silky tannins, balanced by vibrant acidity. The finish is long and persistent, offering spicy nuances and a mineral freshness, typical of basalt soils. Served between 14 and 16°C after decanting, it reveals all its aromatic breadth and finesse.
A perfect match for refined dishes
With its controlled power and natural elegance, this wine pairs perfectly with grilled red meats, rich sauce dishes, or complex Mediterranean recipes. Ideal to accompany a gourmet meal, it will enhance each mouthful with its depth and balance.
With remarkable aging potential, the Munjebel PA 2021 is a complete wine that will seduce lovers of great natural and authentic reds. A jewel of Etna not to be missed.
