Frank Cornelissen

'Munjebel BB' Rosso Magnum 2018

From the storied volcanic slopes of Mount Etna’s contrada Barbabecchi, this rare Magnum showcases the expressive power of century-old Nerello Mascalese vines in a vintage when Cornelissen chose not to bottle his top cru Magma, instead yielding this beautifully balanced Munjebel BB. Deeply aromatic and beautifully poised, it reveals layered notes of red and dark cherry, wild spice and subtle earthy flourishes framed by Etna’s signature mineral tension. Fermented spontaneously with indigenous yeasts and matured for extended periods in neutral tanks and bottle, the palate is refined yet substantial — structured with fine tannins, lively acidity and a persistent, volcanic finish that speaks of age and place. Crafted with Cornelissen’s minimal-intervention ethos, it’s a rare expression of Etna’s terroir with depth, character and long-lasting appeal.

Frank Cornelissen is one of the main figures behind today’s Etna wines’ popularity. He established his estate in 2001 on the northern part of the Sicilian Island, back when Etna as a wine region was relatively still undiscovered. 

Frank farms 24 hectares of vines mostly planted to the indigenous variety Nerello Mascalese, in the most traditional way, avoiding all treatments where possible. Instead, the estate idealises inter-plantation of fruit trees and beehives to regain a complex ecosystem. 

From the Estate range to the single vineyard cuvées (specific crus with individual expressions, produced and bottled only in exceptional vintages), the wines showcase the incomparable volcanic terroir with intensity and uniqueness – textural, yet with lively freshness and endless length.