Vaccelli Red 2023 | Vaccelli
The Vaccelli Red 2023 is produced in the hillsabove Ajaccio, at the heart of a 25-hectare vineyard firmly rooted in the granite-rich slopes for which the appellation is renowned. Vaccelli is now one of the leading wine estates for modern Corsican wines, recognized for its meticulous work with the island’s native grape varieties. Since taking over the family wine estate in the early 2000s, Gérard Courrèges has applied his talent with the genius of the greatest winemakers, and this cuvée is a remarkable introduction to his world.
Terroir and Grape Varieties
The granite-rich plots where the old vines thrive force the roots to dig deep into the well-drained, nutrient-poor substrate of weathered granite. Sciaccarellu, the flagship grape variety ofthe Ajaccio appellation, expresses its natural finesse here: delicate tannins, flavorful fruit, and lingering freshness from admirably controlled ripeness.
Viticulture and Winemaking
The wine estate has been certified organic since 2019. The hand harvest allows for rigorous selection at the plot level. In the cellar, fermentation relies on native yeasts, the only guarantee of true authenticity. Ageing takes place in demi-muids and barrels carefully selected to complement the wine’s character without overpowering it.
Vaccelli Red 2023 | Vaccelli: The Sommelier’s Review
Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin
Sciaccarellu is a grape variety that leaves little room for error. On granite soil, it can achieve a finesse that, with its lightness and acid structure, evokes certain Burgundy Pinot Noirs. This is precisely the achievement of this cuvée from the 2023 vintage. It will reach its peak drinking period between 2029 and 2034, but it is already enjoyable today, with just the right amount of youthful vibrancy. Until it reaches full maturity, we recommend letting it breathe in the bottle for half an hour to gradually reveal the wine’s layers; serve it barely chilled, at 17°C. This red embodies the most elegant expression of the Ajaccio appellation: a granite-driven wine—tight, precise, and unpretentious.
The Nose
The nose opens with crisp red fruits, raspberry and red currant leading the way. Floral notes of violet and peony slip in, with a hint of powderiness. Black cherry and blackberry add a subtle depth. A hint of white pepper rounds out the profile with depth. Clean, precise, and unpretentious.
Palate
On the palate, the attack is fresh and crisp. The wine unfolds with suppleness: medium to full-bodied, with silky tannins that never become harsh. The natural acidity of the granitic terroir lends the wine a sense of integrity. Notes of mild spices, garrigue, and a hint of licorice add complexity to the mid-palate. The finish is long, mineral-driven, and subtly smoky. It leaves the palate craving more.
Ajaccio: Everything You Need to Know About This Appellation
The Ajaccio appellation spans the western flank of Corsica, between the sea and the mountains. Its identity rests almost entirely on Sciaccarellu, a native red grape variety that no other region in France has truly mastered. The soils here are predominantly granitic, acidic, and well-drained. They impart to the wines a dry minerality and a freshness that the Mediterranean climate alone cannot fully explain. Yields, naturally limited by this poor terroir, contribute to the concentration of the juice.
The 2023 Vaccelli Red is representative of the appellation’s finest offerings. The plot-selective harvest from old vines, ageing in barrels and demi-muids, and the wine estate’s rigorous organic practices make this a wine that transcends a mere snapshot of the appellation. It is a compelling demonstration of this, and one of the most accomplished wines of the vintage.
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