Hidden Gems in Solicchiata, Etna DOC

Frank Cornelissen ★ 4.9

Etna DOC / Terre Siciliane IGTNerello Mascalese, Carricante, MinellaFounded 2001Biodynamic PracticingORGANIC CERTIFIEDSolicchiata, Etna DOC

Belgian-born Frank Cornelissen makes radical no-added-sulfur Nerello Mascalese from pre-phylloxera alberello vines in the Solicchiata and Calderara contrade on the north face of Etna.

Tip: Cornelissen does not operate a conventional tasting room; allocation visits are by appointment and through importer relationships. Availability of top cuvees is tightly limited.

Dietary in Solicchiata, Etna DOC

Frank Cornelissen ★ 4.9

Biodynamic PracticingORGANIC CERTIFIEDSolicchiata, Etna DOC

Frank Cornelissen has farmed organically and with biodynamic inspiration since establishing his Etna estate in 2001. The vines are pre-phylloxera alberello at 600-900 metres on the north face of Etna. No added sulfur, native yeasts, no filtration. Certified organic; the specific certifier is not named on the public estate site.

Tip: Cornelissen's wines are no-added-sulfur; drink within three to five years of vintage for freshest expression or in a narrow window of cellaring. Available via specialist importers only.

Frank Cornelissen ★ 4.8

Solicchiata, Etna DOC

Frank Cornelissen's wines are produced with no added sulfur (SO2), one of the strictest no-sulfur philosophies in Italian wine. The MunJebel and Magma wines show the result: very low total SO2 levels. The wines require careful storage at consistent temperatures and have a shorter drinking window than conventionally stabilised wines.

Tip: Store Cornelissen wines at 12-14 C without temperature fluctuation. Drink the entry-tier MunJebel within three to five years; allocate the Magma cuvees 5-10 years of careful cellaring.

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