Located in Sicily, Domaine Frank Cornelissen was founded in 2001 and spans around 24 hectares of land between 650 and 980m of altitude, including 2 hectares for growing olive trees (for making olive oil) and buckwheat. The main grape varieties grown here are Nerello Mascalese, Allicante-Bouschet, Minella Nera, Uva Francese, Nerello Capuccio, Minella Bianca and Inzolia for the reds, and Carricante, Grecanico Dorato and Coda di Volpe for the whites. Ideally situated, this domain is very natural in its methods. The use of additives is avoided apart from sulphur in the more complicated vintages. Yields are limited and harvesting takes place quite late in order to obtain optimal maturity in the grapes. Work in the winery is careful, with maturation taking place in terracotta pots. These wines express their terroir and strong personality wonderfully.

This 100% Nerello Mascalese comes from several parcels of the famous Sicilian domain located in the northern Etna valley. Particularly well exposed and growing in volcanic soil at over 800m of altitude, the vines take in all the sun necessary to produce rich and fragrant wines. The 24 hecatres of vines are not grafted, a feature very few European domains can lay claim to. The grapes are harvested by hand, and only at perfect maturity. Fermentation begins with the pied-de-cuve method, an ingenious technique that allows producers to work with indigenous yeasts while better controlling their evolution. There is no fining at all, and only a very light filtering takes place. The wine is matured in inert containers in order to conserve the varietal aromas and avoid mixing them with woody notes. This is a brilliant wine with an intense, ruby hue. Its nose is explosive with notes of red fruit such as cherry, wild strawberry and raspberry. The palate is marked by noble and well-integrated tannins. The flavourful aromatics found on the nose can also be felt in the mouth. A true success, this wine can be enjoyed in 10 or even 15 years’ time. It will pair well with many Italian recipes, especially those with a red meat base.