Domaine de Vaccelli sits in the south of Corsica, in the Taravu Valley between Ajaccio and Propriano. The estate was founded in the 1960s by the Courrèges family following Algeria’s declaration of independence. The experienced winemakers, who previously owned an estate in Médéa, south-west of Algiers, planted new vines and uprooted the old ones.
Today, the estate stretches over some 20 hectares, fairly evenly divided between red and white grape varieties. Vines include Sciaccarello, Carcaghjolu Neru, Minustellu, Grenache Noir, Vermentino and several white varieties. In other words, a savvy blend of local grape varieties, complemented by Grenache Noir. The vines average 30 years and are hand-harvested. The estate was certified organic in 2019.
Today, the estate is still family-run and managed by Nathalie and Gérard Courrèges, with the latter also being the cellar master. In addition, Emmanuel Gagnepain is their appointed oenologist. The estate’s underground cellar, which dates back to 1990, provides excellent storage and ageing conditions for the vintages, some of which are aged in oak casks.

An emblematic figure in Corsican winemaking and particularly coveted by wine lovers in search of something new, Domaine Vaccelli has crafted a rosé that sets itself apart from what we usually see in this appellation. It is made of rare, native varietals that have enjoyed the granite and quartz soils in which they grow organically. The idea is for the wine to reflect its characterful terroir. This means it was matured in containers that don’t influence the taste or texture of the final product. This rosé is a blend of Sciaccarellu, Grenache, and Cinsault, aged in stainless steel vats.
In the glass, it carries a ripe bouquet of red fruit and white, fleshy fruit like peach. These aromas introduce a mature and persistent palate that closes on a saline finish.
We recommend savouring this wine in its youth and serving it with a summery dish like a rustic tomato tart, salmon with peppers, or lamb-stuffed aubergine.