Clos Fornelli Clos Rouge 2024

Clos Fornelli is a family-owned winery located on the eastern coast of Corsica above the coastal town of Aleria, bordering the Tyrrhenian Sea. The estate spans 45 hectares, of which 18 are planted to vineyards. Josée Vanucci owns Clos Fornelli and farms it with her husband, Fabrice Couloumère.

Josée Vanucci produced her first vintage in 2005, taking over the grape production that had previously gone to the local cooperative. The vineyards are situated on the plains and terraces of the Bravone River in the Castagniccia mountain range. This eastern region of Corsica experiences cooler nights compared to the western side of the island, as the mountains rising above 2,500 meters generate cool air that preserves freshness and aromatics in the wines.

Clos Fornelli farms classic Corsican varieties, including Vermentinu, Sciaccarellu, and Niellucciu. The estate also cultivates lesser-known varieties such as Biancu Gentile, Genovese, and Minustellu. The soils consist of clay and alluvial deposits from the Bravone River and the gradual erosion of the slate mountains. These poor but deep soils provide a water supply to the vineyards during warm, dry summers.

Clos Fornelli is certified organic. The estate maintains yields under 45 hectoliters per hectare through Cordon de Royat pruning, elimination of secondary buds, and leaf pulling to promote ripening and cluster aeration. The vineyards are not irrigated. The winery uses gravity-fed winemaking in a hangar-style facility equipped with concrete tanks, temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, a pneumatic press, and large oak barrels for aging. Fermentations occur spontaneously with indigenous yeasts. Wines receive minimal sulfur additions and short aging in vats before bottling. The winemaking approach emphasizes low intervention to reveal grape and terroir characteristics.

Corsica is a French island in the Mediterranean Sea, located between France and Italy, closer to the Italian coast. The island produces wines under French appellation laws while maintaining strong Italian viticultural influences. Corsica's mountainous terrain and coastal climate create conditions for distinctive wine production.

Corsica's landscape features mountains rising to over 2,500 meters, creating varied microclimates across the island. The eastern and western coasts experience different conditions. Eastern vineyards benefit from cooler nights as mountain ranges provide shade and generate cool air, extending the growing season. Coastal proximity moderates temperatures and preserves grape acidity. The Mediterranean climate brings warm, dry summers, with sea breezes tempering the heat.

Corsica cultivates indigenous varieties alongside international grapes. Niellucciu, related to Sangiovese, produces structured, earthy red wines. Sciaccarellu creates light, peppery reds and rosés with distinctive spice characteristics. Vermentinu, the primary white variety, yields crisp, floral, aromatic whites. Lesser-known varieties include Biancu Gentile and Genovese for whites, and Minustellu for reds.

The island's quality wines fall under several designations. Patrimonio, located in northern Corsica, represents one of the most prestigious appellations, known for Niellucciu-based reds and Vermentinu whites. Ajaccio in western Corsica specializes in Sciaccarellu wines. Vin de Corse serves as the broader regional appellation covering various production areas across the island. Specific geographic mentions in Vin de Corse include Sartène, Figari, and Porto-Vecchio.

Corsican wines blend Mediterranean richness with structure. Red wines from Niellucciu exhibit earthy, tannic profiles that are suitable for aging. Sciaccarellu produces lighter reds with notes of pepper, rose, and red fruit, often served slightly chilled. Vermentinu whites display mineral character, citrus notes, and floral aromatics. The island's volcanic and granite soils, combined with clay and limestone deposits, contribute to wine complexity.

Organic and low-intervention practices have gained prominence among Corsican producers, with many island wines featured among the best-selling natural wines. The island's relative isolation and diverse terroir create wines with distinctive character that differ from mainland French production while maintaining Old World winemaking traditions. For those interested in exploring Corsican and other Mediterranean natural wines regularly, a natural wine club subscription offers curated selections from artisanal producers.