Rose, 2019. The Corsican

While Corsica may be best known for supplying "retirement" for Napoleon Bonaparte, there is much more to know about this enticingly beautiful island. Though off the coast of Italy, it is actually part of France. Of course, like most of Europe, most places were part of another place originally. This is what happened with Corsica, as it swapped ownership between Italy and France until it appears to be French for good. This is hard to tell as it's closer to Italy, has a climate and topography more like Italy, and most of the grapes grown here are mainly Italian. In this case the grape is called Sciacarello, but is more commonly known as Mamolo, a principle grape in Chianti.

The entire Corsica island averages almost 2,000 feet above sea level and boasts more sunny days than any appellation in France. For this reason, its wines tend to be bigger, bolder and higher in alcohol content, and were used mainly to "strengthen" wines in weak vintages. That all changed in the 1980s when the bolder wines were no longer needed and they then had to make better, different wines on their own. Ros? was the wine that got everybody's attention and has been their most exalted export to date. So, when it comes to Ros?, it wasn't Corsica catching up to the world. It was the world catching up to Corsica.

Our beautiful selection was made by one of the coops that produce outstanding Rose. Its succulent peach and mango flavors are perfect with an onion tart prosciutto and melon.

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