Chioso Novo red 2023 Domaine de Vaccelli | Corsica

Chioso Novo Red 2023 | Domaine de Vaccelli

The Chioso Novo Red 2023 is one of Domaine de Vaccelli’s finest wines. This single-vineyard cuvée comes from a unique plot, the Chioso Novo site, in the hamlet of Cognocoli-Monticchi, in the heart of the Taravo Valley. Founded in 1962 by Roger Courrèges, the wine estate is now led by his son Gérard Courrèges, a trained oenologist who took the reins in 2000. It is he who has elevated Vaccelli to the ranks of Corsica’s must-try wines.

Terroir and Grape Varieties

The vineyard is situated on granitic sand, a poor yet exceptionally well-drained soil that forces the vines to draw water from deep underground. The hillsides face southeast, at an elevation of between 350 and 450 meters. The maritime influence tempers Corsican summers, while winds from the maquis naturally ventilate the vineyard. The wine is made from 100% Sciaccarellu, the emblematic grape variety ofthe Ajaccio appellation. The history of this vineyard is unique: originally planted in 1964 with Grenache Noir, the vines were grafted with Sciaccarellu in 2019, following a meticulous mass selection process. It thus carries both the legacy of an old root system and the genetic precision of a carefully selected graft. This paradox lies at the heart of the wine’s character.

Viticulture and Winemaking

The wine estate has practicedorganic farming since 2008 and obtained certification in 2019. The grapes are harvested exclusively by hand to preserve the integrity of the berries. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts in concrete “eggs” and 600-liter demi-muids. Ageing lasts twelve months in these same vessels. This technical choice is significant: the demi-muid, with its large bottle size, slowly oxygenates the wine without imposing pronounced oak notes. It allows the terroir to express itself. Yields are deliberately low, consistent with the ambition of a single-vineyard cuvée.

Chioso Novo Red 2023 | Domaine de Vaccelli: The Sommelier’s Review

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin

The Chioso Novo Red is, in my view, one of the most compelling demonstrations of what Sciaccarellu can achieve on granite. This grape variety is often underestimated, reduced to its lightness. Here, it reveals a whole new dimension: precision, depth, and a silky texture that rivals even the greatest Mediterranean wines. Its peak drinking window spans from 2029 to 2036, but the 2023 vintage is already showing its generosity today—provided you decant it for half an hour and serve it at 17°C. A duck breast à la plancha, creamy polenta, and roasted tomatoes with Mediterranean herbs: the pairing is obvious, almost natural.

The Nose

The nose opens with ripe red fruits—a blend of cherries and small black berries—with a soft, spicy note reminiscent of white pepper. Hints of the maquis and thyme linger in the background. A note of warm stone, subtle yet persistent, signals the granite terroir with remarkable clarity.

Palate

On the palate, the attack is clean and juicy. The tannins are fine, almost silky, providing structure without heaviness. The body is round, supported by a taut acidity that maintains balance. Red fruit comes through richly, accompanied by light hints of pepper and licorice. The finish is long and vibrant, marked by a delicate salinity that prolongs the impression of minerality with depth.

Ajaccio: Everything You Need to Know About This Appellation

The Ajaccio appellation spans the granite-rich hillsides of central-western Corsica. Its vines cling to often steep slopes, on poor soils composed of granite gravel, swept by sea winds. The king of red grape varieties here is Sciaccarellu, a rare indigenous variety that produces elegant, spicy wines with a refined structure. The white wines are primarily based on Vermentino and Bianco Gentile. The appellation is renowned for the precision of its wines and their ability to faithfully reflect the mineral character of the soil.

The Chioso Novo red is a prime example of this. It does not seek power; it seeks the truth of the terroir: granite, exposure, and a grape variety that has been perfectly suited to this soil for decades. This is precisely what sets it apart within the appellation’s landscape.