Selection of Natural Wines from Sicily, Italy - Delivery within 48/72 hours – Page 3

52 products

Frank Cornelissen

Frank 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. We are pleased to offer this old vintage that showcases this wine at its peak of maturity and depth.

Vinification
The Nerello Mascalese vines, planted in 1946, grow on sandy-clay soil. 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 bottle. No fining, light filtration.

Tasting
Rich and powerful, yet elegant, Munjebel MC is a bit like the hermitage of Etna, and the depth and density of this wine are enhanced by its age. Intense color of a deep, saturated red, notes of red rose and wild red fruits. Body, richness and thickness, aromatic palate supported by a fresh acidity. Pair it with red meats and Mediterranean dishes. Try a black ham from Bigorre or a grilled or roasted wagyu.

Learn more about Frank Cornelissen
A key and universally respected figure in natural, organic and biodynamic wine, 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 can 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 "Côte de Nuits 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 valley of Etna 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...

Frank Cornelissen

Munjebel PA Red 2020

€89,25

Munjebel PA Red 2020

Cornelissen
Munjebel PA, a single-vineyard organic (Eurofeuille), biodynamic, and natural cuvée from Frank Cornelissen, is a Sicilian red wine in the DOP Etna Rosso/IGP Terre Siciliane Nerello Mascalese. It comes from the Feudo di Mezzo contrada, in the Porcaria area, at an altitude of 640 meters. Maturation is not facilitated by the depth of the soil in the case of a wet vintage, but what a reward upon tasting!

Vinification
The Nerello Mascalese harvest is destemmed and lightly crushed, before a sixty-day fermentation-maceration on the skins. The wine is aged for 18 months in vats and 18 months in bottles. No fining, light filtration.

Tasting
Munjebel PA is an accomplished wine, which seems to offer everything one asks of a red. It is powerful, refined, elegant and gives its best in balanced vintages like this 2020. Pair it with charcuterie and cured meats from porc noir de Bigorre or terrines from 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…

Frank Cornelissen

Munjebel CS Red 2020

€118,15

Munjebel CS Red 2020

Cornelissen
Munjebel CS is a natural single-plot red cuvée made from 100% Nerello Mascalese, biodynamic and organic (Eurofeuille label). It is produced by Frank Cornelissen in the DOP (AOP) Etna Rosso/IGP Terre Siciliane Nerello Mascalese. The grapes come from the Zottorinoto contrada and the Chiusa Spagnolo plot, towards the bottom of the valley, in a lava rock amphitheater at a relatively low altitude (620 m). This is a unique, ungrafted vineyard, planted around 1925.

Vinification
The Munjebel CS harvest is destemmed and lightly crushed. Fermentation, using a vat base and indigenous yeasts, is accompanied by a 50-day skin maceration. No fining, light filtration before bottling.

Tasting
The Chiusa Spagnolo plot produces a deep and tannic wine, a little behind the other crus of the contrada and reminiscent of the varietal typicity of Nebbiolo. The color is slightly less intense than that of the other reds of the estate and the wine is a little slower to express itself. You will pair it with meats, charcuterie and Mediterranean dishes. Also try it with a roast pigeon from Bresse (Pierre-Eudes Quintart) or from Brittany (Volailles Renault).

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.

Frank Cornelissen

Jeroboam Munjebel FM Red 2016

€340,20

Frank Cornelissen

Jeroboam Munjebel VA Red 2016

€340,20

Frank Cornelissen

Jeroboam Munjebel VA Red 2015

€340,00

Frank Cornelissen

Jeroboam Munjebel VA Red 2013

€570,00

Frank Cornelissen

Jeroboam Munjebel PA Red 2016

€340,20

Frank Cornelissen

Jeroboam Munjebel MC Red 2013

€570,00

Frank Cornelissen

Magnum Munjebel MC Red 2016

€189,00

Frank Cornelissen

Jeroboam Munjebel Red 2014

€283,50

Frank Cornelissen

Magnum Munjebel PA Red 2016

€189,00

Frank Cornelissen

Magnum Munjebel VA White 2017

€291,00

Frank Cornelissen

Jeroboam Contadino Red 2013

€159,00

Frank Cornelissen

Jeroboam Contadino Red 2014

€189,00

Sicily: A Unique Wine Region with a Rich and Centuries-Long History

Sicilian viticulture is one of the oldest in the Mediterranean basin. Since ancient times, the Phoenicians introduced grape varieties and spread their expertise. The Greeks then brought major innovations, notably pruning techniques, marking a turning point in vine cultivation. Under the Roman Empire, Sicilian wines, such as Malvasia and Mamertino, became prized throughout the Empire. However, the Muslim conquest in the 9th century interrupted this dynamic, as wine production was outlawed by Islamic law.

It wasn't until the 18th century that Sicilian wine experienced a new boom, thanks to John Woodhouse, an English merchant who developed the famous fortified Marsala wine. This wine, fortified with alcohol for maritime transport, paved the way for international recognition of Sicilian wines. In the 20th century, despite the ravages of phylloxera, Sicily modernized its techniques and introduced appellations such as DOC and DOCG, strengthening its position on the global wine scene. The contributions of the Phoenicians remain a cornerstone of this rich history.

A Terroir Marked by Etna and Geological Diversity

Sicily is a volcanic island whose landscape is shaped by Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. Culminating at 3,313 meters, Mount Etna profoundly influences local viticulture. Its mineral-rich volcanic soils provide a unique environment, particularly favorable to native grape varieties such as Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio. The vineyards located on the slopes of the volcano, between 300 and 1,000 meters above sea level, benefit from optimal exposure and significant temperature variations between day and night, promoting grape ripening and the aromatic complexity of the wines.

Beyond Mount Etna, the island boasts a diverse geology. The fertile and well-drained limestone soils of the southeast are ideal for grape varieties such as Nero d'Avola. The alluvial plains of Catania and Licata, meanwhile, provide a rich substrate for diverse crops, while the inland hills and western mountain ranges provide ideal terrain for quality viticulture.

A Mediterranean Climate with Pronounced Contrasts

The Sicilian climate is typically Mediterranean, characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. However, climatic variations within the island are significant. The arid south, swept by the sirocco wind—a hot, dry wind from the African desert—is ideal for hardy grape varieties such as Grillo and Catarratto. The mountainous areas and the slopes of Mount Etna benefit from cooler temperatures, favoring elegant and well-balanced wines.

Despite moderate annual rainfall, concentrated between October and April, water management remains crucial, especially in summer when crop needs increase considerably. Modern irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation, have helped secure yields while limiting the impacts of water stress, although environmental challenges remain. A Land of Innovation and Tradition

Today's Sicily is a model of coexistence between tradition and innovation. Its native grape varieties, such as Nero d'Avola, Frappato, Grillo, and Inzolia, reflect an exceptional and diverse winemaking heritage. Sicilian winemakers, while building on this heritage, are adopting modern practices to optimize quality and sustainability.

Areas such as Etna DOC, where the wines fully express the volcanic terroir, and Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG, renowned for its delicate blends, illustrate the island's expertise. Moreover, the gradual conversion to organic and natural production methods demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental preservation.
Sicily: An Invitation to Discovery

Sicilian viticulture is much more than an industry: it embodies the soul of the island. From powerful and elegant reds from the slopes of Mount Etna to fresh and fruity whites from the coastal plains, each bottle tells the story of this unique territory. With its heritage, geological diversity, and exceptional climate, Sicily remains a must-see destination for lovers of wine and authentic discoveries.

The Winemakers Featured in Our Boutique Abbazia San Giorgio

Located on the island of Pantelleria, Abbazia San Giorgio is an iconic winery founded in 2015 by Battista Belvisi and Beppe Fontana. The vineyard covers 3.5 hectares in Khamma, where native grape varieties such as Zibibbo, Carignano, and Nerello Mascalese are cultivated using biodynamic methods. The vines, averaging 60 years old, are cultivated using the Alberello method, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Abbazia San Giorgio is renowned for its natural wines, fermented with indigenous yeasts and without added sulfites, which capture the essence of the volcanic island and its unique character.

Corvagialla

Founded in 2007 by Beatrice Arweiler, Corvagialla is a family-run estate located in Lazio. Certified organic since 2018, it applies regenerative farming practices and a "zero/zero" philosophy in the winery, without any chemical inputs or manipulation. The Corvagialla wines, produced by Niccolo Arweiler since 2021, reflect the interaction between the soil and the seasons. With a production focused on sustainability and respect for nature, this estate offers unique wines, faithful to their origins.

Gismondi

Antonio and Anabel Gismondi continue a family tradition in Cerreto Sannita, in the Benevento mountains. On 2 hectares of organic vineyards planted at an altitude of 350-380 meters, they cultivate native grape varieties such as Malvasia di Candia, Falanghina, and Sangiovese. Since 2019, they have been producing natural wines without additives, aged in stainless steel vats, which combine the freshness of the mountains with the aromas of southern Italy.

Frank Cornelissen: The Essential Sicilian Winemaker
Frank Cornelissen, our main Sicilian winemaker, is located on the northern slopes of Mount Etna, at altitudes ranging from 600 to 1,000 meters. Founded in 2001, his estate covers 24 hectares, including 13 hectares of old vines planted in Alberello, a traditional system that promotes native grape varieties such as Nerello Mascalese.

Cornelissen adopts a radical approach to agriculture, avoiding treatments whenever possible, including organic ones, to preserve the natural balance. Its vines coexist with fruit trees, regenerative crops, and bees to recreate a sustainable ecosystem. Its low yields (300 to 600g per vine) and late harvests guarantee perfectly ripe grapes.

Cornelissen wines, such as the prestigious Magma®, are a world benchmark. Produced from Nerello Mascalese on exceptional soils, this cuvée embodies excellence. Alongside these, the MunJebel® and Susucaru® offer accessible expressions while reflecting the authenticity of Mount Etna.

Cornelissen is distinguished by its delicate vinifications in neutral vats or terracotta amphorae, preserving the deep, mineral identity of the terroir. Today, it is recognized as a leading figure in natural wines, offering unique creations that capture the volcanic essence of Sicily.

Sicily's Emblematic Red Grape Varieties Nero d'Avola

Nero d'Avola, Sicily's emblematic red grape, takes its name from the town of Avola near Syracuse. Grown primarily on the limestone plains of the southeast of the island, this grape variety produces wines with intense hues and complex aromas. It is renowned for its ability to balance sugar and acidity in warmer climates, producing wines ranging from light fruitiness to complex and full-bodied. Often blended with Frappato or international grape varieties such as Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, Nero d'Avola is a cornerstone of IGT Sicilia Rosso, embodying the diversity and potential of the island.

Frappato

An ancient Sicilian red grape, Frappato is mainly grown in the provinces of Ragusa and Syracuse, two regions renowned for their wine production. Prized for its delicate aromas of fresh red fruits, it is often blended with Nero d'Avola to produce the famous Cerasuolo di Vittoria, Sicily's only DOCG. Light, fruity, and floral, it embodies the finesse of Sicilian wines and is a refreshing alternative to full-bodied reds.

Nerello Mascalese

Typical of the slopes of Mount Etna, Nerello Mascalese thrives between 300 and 1,000 meters above sea level. This late-ripening grape variety produces light, aromatic, and high-alcohol red wines, often blended with other local varieties in the Etna and Faro DOCs. With its subtle aromas and ability to express the volcanic terroir, it seduces lovers of elegant wines with character.

White Grape Varieties Catarratto

Catarratto, the most widely planted white grape variety in Sicily, is a true local star. Mainly grown in the west of the island, it was historically used for Marsala, but today stands out in dry white wines. With aromas of white peach, lemon, and flowers, it produces fruity and rounded wines, often blended to enhance their complexity.

Inzolia

Originating from western Sicily, Inzolia, also called Ansonica, is known for its floral aromas and almond notes. Although it sometimes lacks body as a single varietal, it excels when blended with Catarratto or Chardonnay. Used for Marsala and young wines, Inzolia brings a typically Sicilian freshness and finesse.

Grillo

Grillo, another iconic white grape variety, was once reserved for Marsala. Since the 1990s, it has shone in dry white wines with aromas of peach, pear, and pineapple. Versatile, it is vinified alone or in a blend with Inzolia and Catarratto, and adapts equally well to aging in tanks and barrels.

Grecanico

Introduced during Greek antiquity, Grecanico is cultivated throughout Sicily. Vigorous and aromatic, this white grape produces fresh wines with fragrant, floral, and sometimes almond notes. Often compared to Sauvignon, it fully expresses the Sicilian terroir, alone or in a blend, and remains a pillar of local viticulture.

Italy - Sicily

Munjebel CD Red 2021

Munjebel CD Red 2021

Munjebel MC Red 2014