Frank Cornelissen - Etna - Sicilien

FRANK CORNELISSEN

Frank made his first vintage 2001 and it was just 500 bottles in the Northern Valley of Etna. Over the past 15 years his wines have come a long way, he is now making high-definition, Single-Vineyards in a precis way with his personality reflected in the glass.

Frank says that the cellar is an important instrument with enables man to make the wines express themselves to their best and show their territorial identity thanks to the grapes cultivated by man in harmony with Nature.

The style of his wines can be compared to that of Barolo, Burgundy, or even a combination of both.

2017 Munjebel Rosso 

Nerello Mascalese from several of his cru’s including Zottorinoto-Chiusa Spagnolo, Feudo di Mezzo-Porcaria, Crasà and Piano dei Daini. The average age is 60 years.

2016 RossoMunjebel CR (Campo Re) 70+ year old Nerello Mascalese vines grown at 735m evolution on the western side of Etna’s northern valley.

Nose: Dried spices, black cherry, black pepper and tar.

Mouth: Deep, fresh, spices with a long finish.

2016 Munjebel PA (Porcaria cru) 60+ year old Nerello Mascalese situated at 640m elevation.

Nose: Wild cherry, plums, sweet spice and red currant.

Mouth: Polished tannins, overall balance and with finess.

2016 Munjebel CS (Chiusa Spagnolo cru in the contrada Zottorinoto) Nerello Mascalese planted 1925 and are completely ungrafted. 

Nose: Dark currant, cranberry, orange, smoke and leather.

Mouth: Balanced, sophisticated, depth and juicy red fruits.

2016 Munjebel FM (Contrada Geudo di Mezzo) vichi was split into upper and lower selections. This is from the lower part closer to the valley floor. Nerello Mascalese from 40+ year old vines.

Nose: Blackberry, cured meat and dried flowers.

Mouth: Elegant with firm tannins.

2016 Munjebel VA (Tartaraci 1000m, Pettinociarelle 890m, Monte Dolce 870m)

The Cuvée Vigne Alte is a blend from the three highest vineyards. The average age is 90 years and are ungrafted. 

Nose: Spring flowers, salted meats and dried leafs.

Mouth: Beautiful with excellent structure and purity.

2016 Munjebel MC (Monte Colla cru) Nerello Mascalese planted 1946 and grows on a terraced vineyard exposed to the sun and wind.

Nose: Strawberries, hibiscus and plums.

Mouth: Deep with structure and focus.

2016 Magma (Contrada Barbabecchia) Nerello Mascalese planted in 1910 and situated 910m above the sea level. Situated not-north east.

Nose: Aromatic with cherries, plums, blood orange  and leather.

Mouth: Concentrated with structure and depth.