At a glance

Producer

Frank Cornelissen

Region

Terre Siciliane, Etna, Sicily, Italy

Grape variety

Nerello Mascalese (100%)

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$35-$50

Tasting profile

Bright red fruits (sour cherry, cranberry), wet earth, clay, subtle volcanic minerality, herbal notes

Evolution: Develops into more complex savory, forest floor, smoked herbs, and fine spice with age

At peak: Integrated tannins, deep mineral complexity, balanced acidity, subtle tertiary notes of leather and tobacco

Structure

Acidity

High, characteristic of Nerello Mascalese and volcanic soils

Tannins

Fine-grained, refined, moderate but structured

Alcohol

Approximately 13.5%

Aging potential

10+ years from vintage due to natural balance and producer’s biodynamic practices

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2027 to 2030

Optimal window

2024 to 2031

Current status

Early maturity phase; approachable but will benefit from further aging

Current condition

Vibrant, with emerging complexity and fine tannic grip

The 2019 vintage is well-structured with vibrant acidity and fine tannins supported by volcanic terroir. These factors underpin a long drinking window allowing complexity to build over time before gradual softening.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with grilled lamb, roasted game birds, mushroom risotto, aged cheeses, and hearty autumn stews.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (45-60 minutes) — To open up the complex aromas and soften tannins for immediate drinking

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 9/10

Biodynamic farming, no added chemical fertilizers or pesticides, low-intervention winemaking, use of natural yeasts, hand-harvesting, minimal filtration

Frank Cornelissen is a leader in biodynamic and organic viticulture on Etna, implementing sustainable practices that avoid synthetic inputs and promote biodiversity. Energy use is minimized through traditional farming; water conservation is inherent in dry-farmed vineyard practices on volcanic slopes. The wine’s natural, low-intervention style also reduces environmental impact. Though exported internationally, local production and careful packaging partially mitigate carbon emissions.