Producer: Frank Cornelissen

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 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…

Munjebel White 2018,

Frank Cornelissen

Originally, this was an orange skin-macerated wine, but since the 2015 vintage, Frank Cornelissen has sought the precision and finesse of classic Loire Valley white wines and has adapted the winemaking technique accordingly: a shorter maceration period, extended aging in the coolest part of the cellar. Elegance, purity, and density characterize this fresh and straightforward dry white wine, which will prove suitable for all occasions. Munjebel Blanc is produced on mid-altitude plots from equal parts Grecanico Dorato and Carricante, on the Calderara, Borriglione, Crasà and Picciolo plots. Remarkable for its great maturity, 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.

Find out more
A must-have 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, the directness and the exquisite fruitiness of his vintages earn him the admiration even of those reluctant to "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 many localities (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. Generally, seven or eight vintages are made 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 growth 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 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.

Jéroboam Contadino Red 2015

Frank Cornelissen

Delivery possible in the Île-de-France region only>
This entry-level red from Azienda Frank Cornelissen is composed of Nerello Mascalese and a few other varieties grown on the estate: Malvasia, Moscadella, and Catarratto. The grapes are destemmed, lightly crushed, and undergo approximately sixty days of skin maceration. It is the aromatic expression of Etna, a vintage produced and blended traditionally, mixing plots and grape varieties. The result is a wine with a rich and voluptuous nose, elegant and fluid, endowed with structure and a strong personality. Aging potential: ten years. Serving temperature: 14-15°C. Open twenty minutes before serving. Pairings: all summer dishes, from marinated red peppers to grilled lamb and appetizers.
• Grape variety: nerello mascalese 85%, nerello capuccio, minella nera, allicante bouschet, minella bianco
• Region: Etna Rosso DOP, northern Etna valley (Sicily)
• Vinification: destemmed and lightly crushed grapes, skin maceration for around 60 days
• Average age of the vines: 50 years
• Vintage: 2015
• Aging potential: 10 years
• Ideal serving temperature: 14 / 15°
• Open 20 minutes before tasting
• Pairings: peppers in sauce, marinated vegetables

Natural wine with no added sulfites.

Magma Red 2016

Frank Cornelissen

Frank Cornelissen's grand cru is, as expected, a wine for aging. It reveals the remarkable depth of the Nerello Mascalese grape variety, grown on the Barbabecchi plot, planted with ungrafted, pre-phylloxera vines, over a hundred years old, at an altitude of 910 meters on the slopes of Mount Etna. Skin maceration takes place for sixty days on destemmed and lightly crushed grapes. No fining, no sulfites, and light filtration before bottling. With a very dense texture, this red is more mineral than fruity (the fruit notes are candied: blackberry, prune, all roundness and melted tannins). Its depth and power are balanced by great freshness. Possibility of traces of volatile acidity, quickly vanished with decanting.
Natural wine with no added sulfites.
Pairs with an exceptional product, the black pork ham of Bigorre

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.

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…

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

Frank Cornelissen

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.

Magnum Munjebel MC Red 2013,

Frank Cornelissen

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…

Réhoboam Contadino Red 2016

Frank Cornelissen

This entry-level red from Azienda Frank Cornelissen is made from Nerello Mascalese and a few other varieties grown on the estate: Malvasia, Moscadella, and Catarratto. The grapes are destemmed, lightly crushed, and undergo approximately sixty days of skin maceration. It is the aromatic expression of Etna, a vintage produced and blended traditionally, mixing plots and grape varieties. The result is a wine with a rich and voluptuous nose, elegant and fluid, with structure and a strong personality. Aging potential: ten years. Serving temperature: 14-15°C. Open twenty minutes before serving. Pairs well with all summer dishes, from marinated red peppers to grilled lamb and appetizers.
Natural wine with no added sulfites.

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.

Susucaru Rosso Rouge 2024

Frank Cornelissen

Le Susucaru Rosso de Frank Cornelissen, cuvée désormais culte, nous emmène au cœur des terres noires de l’Etna pour une expression unique du vin rouge naturel sicilien. Produit en IGP Terre Siciliane, ce millésime 2024 est un assemblage de Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Capuccio, Minnella, Alicante Bouschet et Uva Francesa, cultivés en agriculture biologique sur des sols volcaniques à haute altitude.

Un vin nature, précis et profond

Les raisins sont égrappés puis macèrent durant un mois, avant fermentation en levures indigènes sans ajout d’intrants œnologiques. L’élevage s’étend sur un an en cuve époxy, matériau neutre permettant de préserver l’intégrité du fruit et la finesse du terroir. Ici, tout est mis en œuvre pour traduire la minéralité et la tension des pentes de l’Etna, tout en conservant une buvabilité remarquable.

Entre finesse et structure

Le nez est intensément floral et fruité, mêlant violette, fruits noirs, épices douces et une touche légèrement fumée. En bouche, la trame est tannique mais fluide, avec une attaque vive, un cœur généreux et une finale poivrée, saline, pleine d’énergie. Le style est à la fois rustique et moderne, élégant mais sans maquillage.

À carafer et à partager

Servez caraffé 30 minutes, entre 16 et 18 °C. Susucaru Rosso est à l’aise sur des plats relevés, viandes rouges, grillades, charcuteries, ou tout simplement à l’apéritif pour ceux qui aiment les rouges naturels à forte personnalité. Potentiel de garde : jusqu’à 5 ans.

Munjebel VA White 2021,

Frank Cornelissen

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.

Munjebel PA Red 2021,

Frank Cornelissen

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.