From: Corse, Corsica
Varietal: Sciaccarellu
Tasting Notes: Taste: On the nose, a bouquet of fresh red fruits - ripe strawberries, raspberries, and red currants - mingle with notes of blood orange, spiced cherry, lavender and botanical herbs. On the palate, this refreshing rosé is crisp and lively, with a balanced acidity that complements the wine's fruit-forward flavors. The medium-bodied mouthfeel is textured, with a pleasant minerality derived from the terroir's unique clay and alluvial soils. The finish is long and lingering, with flavors of citrus zest and spicy red fruits that leave you wanting another sip.
Pairing: The 2022 Clos Fornelli Rosé's vibrant acidity and fruity profile make it an ideal pairing for a wide range of dishes, from light appetizers and salads to heartier fare. Its versatility shines through when served alongside fresh seafood, grilled poultry, or Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian dishes. Embrace the flavors of Corsica by pairing this delightful rosé with traditional island cuisine. Enjoy it with a plate of charcuterie featuring Corsican sausages, lonzu, and figatellu, or savor it with a hearty seafood dish like stuffed calamari or Corsican-style fish soup.
The wine's bright acidity and herbaceous notes complement vegetarian dishes with bold, fresh flavors. Pair the 2022 Clos Fornelli Rosé with a Mediterranean-inspired salad featuring grilled vegetables, olives, and feta cheese, or try it with a vegetable tian made with zucchini, tomatoes, and eggplant. For a heartier option, enjoy it alongside a flavorful vegetable paella or a sun-dried or fresh tomato and goat cheese tart (check out the recipe below).
Tomato and Goat Cheese Tart
By Martha Rose Shulman
About. Corsica is home to some of the most unique and captivating wines, and the 2022 Clos Fornelli Rosé is no exception. Nestled on the eastern edge of the island, the organically-farmed property overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea, its vines benefiting from the cooler nights and shorter sun exposure provided by the Castagniccia mountain range. Owners Josée Vanucci and Fabrice Couloumère are committed to producing low-intervention, high-pleasure wines that reveal the true character of the grape and place.
The vineyards of Clos Fornelli are planted in clay and alluvial soils, a result of Bravone River deposits and the gradual erosion of the slate mountains. These poor yet deep soils provide an excellent water supply, helping the vines thrive through the warm, dry Corsican summers. The vines, with an average age of 25 years, are well-established and flourish in their cooler Mediterranean microclimate.
The 2022 Clos Fornelli Rosé is crafted from the Sciaccarellu grape, the principal red-grape variety used in the Ajaccio and Sartène appellations of Corsica. Known for its lightly colored, moderate tannins, red fruit flavors, and distinctive herby, peppery notes, the Sciaccarellu grape is well-suited to the bright sunshine and granite soils of southwest Corsica.
The 2022 vintage was vinified using direct pressing, with parcels and varieties vinified separately to preserve the character of the terroir and grape. Natural yeast fermentation took place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, followed by low sulfur additions to ensure the wine's freshness and vibrancy.
