Frank Cornelissen Munjebel Rosso

About this wine

Munjebel Rosso is the cornerstone of Frank Cornelissen's production, sourced from various high-altitude vineyards on the northern slopes of Mount Etna. This wine is a pure expression of Nerello Mascalese, crafted with minimal intervention, no added sulfur, and no filtration. It offers a complex profile of volcanic minerality, wild red berries, and earthy undertones. The wine is known for its vibrant acidity, fine-grained tannins, and a distinct sense of place, reflecting the unique terroir of Sicily's active volcano.

Sommelier's Note

"An essential bottle for any serious collector — the definitive expression of Etna's volcanic terroir and natural wine philosophy."

Food Pairings

Exceptional with roasted meats, game, aged cheeses, and grilled mushrooms. Its volcanic minerality also makes it an outstanding match for Japanese cuisine — particularly soy-glazed grilled eel (unagi), tuna sashimi, and umami-rich braised dishes.

When to drink it

Intimate dinners with food enthusiasts, natural wine tasting events, or as a gift for a discerning wine collector.

Specs

Grape Varieties

Nerello Mascalese

Style

Red

Price Range

¥8,000-12,000

Terroir & Winemaking

Grapes are harvested at full maturity from multiple high-altitude parcels. Fermentation occurs in neutral epoxy tanks using indigenous yeasts. Maceration times vary by vintage. The wine is bottled without fining, filtration, or any addition of SO2.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Munjebel Rosso taste like?

Vibrant wild strawberries, volcanic ash, dried herbs, and earthy undertones with a long, mineral-driven finish and fine-grained tannins.

What food pairs best with Munjebel Rosso?

Grilled meats, earthy mushroom dishes, game, aged cheeses, and surprisingly well with Japanese soy-based dishes like unagi and tuna sashimi.

When is Munjebel Rosso at its best?

Best enjoyed within 5 to 8 years of the vintage, though it evolves beautifully in the glass after opening and rewards decanting.

Is Munjebel Rosso a natural wine?

Yes, it is made with zero additions — no sulfites, no fining agents, no filtration — using only indigenous yeasts from the Etna vineyards.

What is the difference between Munjebel Rosso and Cornelissen's other wines?

Munjebel Rosso is the entry-level red that blends fruit from multiple parcels, while his Contrada single-vineyard wines are more site-specific and typically command higher prices.