Frank Cornelissen

'Munjebel VA' Rosso 2021

High-altitude Nerello Mascalese from the VA site offers a cool-climate clarity and finesse. Aromas of red currant, black cherry and mountain herbs segue into a palate marked by purity and tension, where energetic acidity and a succulent core meet subtle volcanic smokiness. The volcanic minerality gives this version a refined, vertical profile that’s both elegant and expressive.

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.