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 single vineyard cuvée is crafted from the Monte Colla vineyard, a terraced parcel on a steep slope opposite Mount Etna. Here, the old Nerello Mascalese vine stocks, planted in 1946, not only benefit from perfect sun exposure, but also from a wind that helps to prevent diseases. Sitting more than 750 metres above sea level, the vines enjoy a wide range of temperatures which allow the grapes to develop complex, aromatic flavours. The hand-harvested grapes are destemmed and slightly pressed before being left to macerate for about fifty days. Fermentation takes place thanks to natural yeast and then, the wine is aged for 18 months in resin vats followed by 18 months maturing in the bottle.
Wine lovers will discover the power of the Nerello Mascalese grapes in this powerful wine with a nose marked by well-ripened, almost jammy, black fruits. The palate is ample, rich, slightly smooth, and structured by firm tannins. A wine to be paired with dishes full of character such as a grilled rib-eye steak.