1/12 - Island Expressions: A Taste to Savor Corsica

Join us this month for Island Expressions: A Taste to Savor Corsica, a journey through four exceptional wines from this storied Mediterranean island.  

 Each wine comes from family-owned estates and offers a distinct perspective on what Corsica has to say to the wine world. Known as a hidden gem in rosé production—perhaps the only place that could be spoken of in the same breath as Provence—Corsica boasts an unmatched quality and unique identity. This lineup showcases a captivating range, from the authentic, rugged expressions of two traditional vignerons to the refined styles crafted by winemakers with a more modern approach. Together, these wines paint a vivid portrait of Corsica’s vinous diversity and charm. 

 Here’s a sneak peek at what we’ll be pouring: 

 Abbatucci 'Cuvee Faustine' 

 70% Sciaccarellu, 30% Niellucciu 

Abbatucci 'Cuvée Faustine' is more than a wine—it's a living testament to history. For 17 generations, the Abbatucci family has called this same house and land home, a fortified estate built six centuries ago that has withstood Barbary pirate raids, Genovese invasions, and Corsican feuds. Today, Jean-Charles Abbatucci continues this remarkable legacy, farming the rugged, windswept granite slopes of southern Corsica. This vibrant and resinous wine carries a distinct savoriness, an homage to its Corsican roots and the enduring spirit of the Abbatucci family. 

 Yves Leccia ‘E Croce’ 

 90% Niellucciu, 10% Grenache 

 Yves Leccia hails from the Patrimonio region in the northernmost part of Corsica, the direct opposite of Abbatucci's southern terroir, and their winemaking styles reflect this contrast. Known for crafting elegant, pretty, and stylish wines, Leccia represents a legacy of generations rooted in Corsica, with a focus on the exceptional terroir of 'E Croce,' which he considers the finest in Patrimonio. A true one-man show, Yves tends his vineyards and cellar entirely on his own, embodying the philosophy that if you want something done right, you do it yourself. Every bottle is a reflection of his meticulous care and dedication, allowing 'E Croce' to fully express its remarkable character. 

Maestracci 'E Prove' Rosé 

 40% Niellucciu, 40% Sciaccarellu, 20% Grenache 

 Domaine Maestracci is nestled high in the foothills of Monte Grossu mountain, on the granite plateau of Reginu in northwestern Corsica. This unique location, paired with a contemporary approach to winemaking, produces wines that emphasize the freshness and vitality of the terroir. Bottled young to preserve this vibrancy, Maestracci’s wines are approachable and defined by their welcomingness. 

Clos Canarelli 'Corse Figari' Rosé 

50% Sciaccarellu, 30% Niellucciu, 20% Grenache 

 Clos Canarelli lies just outside Figari, at the southern tip of Corsica, in the island’s most ancient wine-growing region. Yves Canarelli has become a champion for the restoration of native Corsican varietals, bringing new life to a terroir where grapes have been cultivated since the 5th century B.C. Figari’s rugged landscape, with its hot, dry foothills and prairies, carries a Wild West atmosphere, offering a challenging environment for viticulture. Despite the harsh conditions, the Canarelli family has earned a reputation as perhaps the most respected and accomplished yet discreet clan in southern Corsica. Through nothing but word of mouth, a following and fervor have grown around Yves Canarelli’s wines, making them among the rarest and most sought-after in Corsica.