Clos Fornelli Corse Rouge 2023 (Corsica, France)

Josée Vanucci and her husband Fabrice Couloumère farm 45 hectares of land on the Eastern coast of the Tyrrhenian sea, where the Mediterranean sun meets cool air and shade from the nearby Castagniccia mountains creating a unique microclimate that makes Corsican wines so distinct. Niellucciu (pronounced nee-el-LOO-choo) is believed to be a native clone of Sangiovese, but it’s quite different from its Tuscan counterpart. Rustic tannins, spice, and ample dark fruit are lifted by a lively acidity thanks to aging in concrete vat, and a pleasant minerality on the finish. Food Ideas: Eggplant parmesan, white beans with pecorino and pancetta, livet de sanglier (wild boar stew), lamb vindaloo (not too spicy!) 100% Niellucciu ABV: 13.5%