Frank Cornelissen, a Belgian-born winemaker, established his estate in 2001 on the northern slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily, a region now esteemed for its single-vineyard (contrada) red wines, akin to Burgundy's Côtes-de-Nuits or Piemonte's Barolo.

The estate spans approximately 24 hectares, comprising 13 hectares of old vines trained in the traditional alberello (bush-vine) system, 9 hectares of modernized rows, 2 hectares of olive groves, and areas dedicated to fruit trees and vegetables. Cornelissen's farming philosophy emphasizes minimal intervention, striving to avoid all treatments—be it homeopathic, organic, or biodynamic—favoring a deep observation of nature's rhythms.

Cornelissen's portfolio includes wines and olive oils that reflect the unique terroir and mineral depth of the region. Notably, the Magma® Rosso, considered the "Grand Vin," is produced exclusively from Nerello Mascalese grapes sourced from the Barbabecchi contrada. The estate also produces MunJebel® wines, which are single contrada (cru) and vintage expressions from various terroirs situated between 600 and 1,000 meters in altitude.

In pursuit of profound, terroir-driven wines, the estate maintains low grape yields, approximately 300 to 600 grams per vine in top vineyards, achieved through short pruning during the dormant season. Harvesting occurs relatively late, from mid-October to early November, in multiple passes to ensure optimal phenolic ripeness. Fermentation is conducted delicately with skins in small neutral tubs to prevent high temperatures, followed by aging in neutral vessels to preserve the wine's intrinsic flavors.

Cornelissen's commitment to authenticity and minimal intervention has positioned his estate as a pioneer in the natural wine movement, garnering significant attention in the wine industry.

For professional importers seeking wines that embody the essence of Mount Etna's unique terroir, Frank Cornelissen's offerings present a compelling opportunity to introduce distinctive, high-quality natural wines to discerning clientele.