2021 Domaine de Vaccelli, Ajaccio Rouge

Three generations of the Courrèges family have farmed these slopes since 1962. Gérard Courrèges, who took over winemaking in 2000, has been instrumental in putting Sciaccarellu on the international map. He calls the grape "a wild Pinot Noir"—and the comparison holds. Like great Burgundy, these wines offer cherry fruit and subtle forest floor, but with an unmistakable island accent: notes of red orange, almond, black pepper, and maquis herbs. The estate has been certified organic since 2008, with all work done by hand. The barrel cellar is carved directly into the hillside, maintaining ideal temperatures naturally. This is the estate's foundation red, made from Sciacarellu (aka Mammolo in Tuscany) from vines ranging 15-50 years old, fermented in stainless steel. Delicate tannins, generous fruit, immediately accessible yet with real depth. A lovely red for roasted chicken dishes, turkey burgers or just cheese, with the signature ‘maquis’ (wild herbs) notes in the background.