Monte Mare Rouge VdF 2022

The Monte Mare Rouge VdF 2022 from Domaine Comte Abbatucci is a single-varietal Sciaccarellu from Corsica, and the quality of its tannins is the defining element of this rare wine. The nose is unbridled: wild red fruits, morello cherry, cornelian cherry, red mulberry and redcurrant, topped by floral notes of violet and lilac, alongside a dark spiciness of juniper, allspice and the citrus facets of white pepper.

The estate lies at 150 metres above sea level in the Taravo valley, with the vines growing on granitic sandy soils with a natural north and north-east exposure. Jean-Charles Abbatucci took over the estate in 1992 and converted it to biodynamic farming in 2000: ploughing with horses instead of a tractor, a flock of sheep for ground cover, and preparations made from medicinal herbs and minerals.

Sciaccarellu is one of the indigenous varieties that Antoine Abbatucci preserved in the 1960s within a collection of eighteen Corsican varieties. Because French AOC rules only permit these varieties to a limited extent, the estate's wines are bottled as Vin de France. Grapes are hand-harvested into small crates, followed by meticulous selection in the cellar.

Tightly knit, almost powdery fine tannins define the texture and mouthfeel, while the fresh acidity gives the structure transparency. The fruit remains understated and defers to the delicately tannic phenolics. Retronasally ethereal and cool, with a long, fruit-driven finish.

Grilled beetroot with goat's quark and charcoal oil vinaigrette, whole grilled turbot with oven-baked ratatouille, or oven-roasted lamb shoulder with grilled tomatoes and aubergine cream.

Monte Mare comes from experimental plots where copper and sulphur are replaced with seawater. The estate has been Demeter-certified since 2005, and the Demeter logo appears on the label.