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.

A Corsican gem, Domaine Vaccelli makes this Unu cuvée from local red varietals like Grenache noir and Sciaccarellu. Loyal to its aim of letting the fruit express all its qualities and those of its terroir, the domain opts for organic agriculture. This is followed by a low-intervention vinification before the wine is matured in neutral containers, in this case stainless steel.
When tasting this cuvée, you might be surprised that a southern wine has something of a Pinot noir profile. It is delicate in its texture, aromas, and flavour. You can certainly enjoy this bottle in its youth, within five years of its vintage. Serve it cool with a light dish like cheese tart or aubergine with parmesan.