Frank Cornelissen

'Magma' Rosso 2020

The pinnacle of Frank Cornelissen’s terroir-driven Etna range, Magma is the estate’s “grand vin” — produced only in exceptional years from the century-old pre-phylloxera Nerello Mascalese vines in the legendary Barbabecchi cru on Mount Etna’s northern slopes. Grown at around 910 m with minimal intervention and fermented solely with indigenous yeasts, this wine expresses volcanic soil with electrifying clarity and depth. On the nose, expect layers of ripe red and dark berries, wild herbs, smoky mineral notes and delicate spice, while the palate reveals striking precision, vibrant acidity and finely-etched tannins that frame its abundant fruit and terroir energy. With remarkable balance and an expansive finish, Magma 2020 is both powerful and elegant — a rare expression of Etna’s volcanic soul and one of Italy’s most sought-after natural wines.

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.