The Story
This is the red half of Abbatucci's Faustine pair, and it's your introduction to Sciaccarellu, Corsica's great red grape that almost nobody grows off the island. Led by Sciaccarellu (roughly 70%) with a substantial share of Niellucciu (roughly 30%), it comes from granite soils near Ajaccio, farmed by one of the Mediterranean's most committed biodynamic growers. The grapes are destemmed but not crushed, macerated about a month in concrete, fermented with native yeasts, and aged in stainless steel with no new oak, all of which keeps it light on its feet. Expect a silky, aromatic, peppery red, not a heavy one; serve it with a slight chill and it sings. If you love lighter, savory reds, Sciaccarellu should be on your list.
Description
This is the red half of Abbatucci's Faustine pair, and it's your introduction to Sciaccarellu, Corsica's great red grape that almost nobody grows off the island. Led by Sciaccarellu (roughly 70%) with a substantial share of Niellucciu (roughly 30%), it comes from granite soils near Ajaccio, farmed by one of the Mediterranean's most committed biodynamic growers. The grapes are destemmed but not crushed, macerated about a month in concrete, fermented with native yeasts, and aged in stainless steel with no new oak, all of which keeps it light on its feet. Expect a silky, aromatic, peppery red, not a heavy one; serve it with a slight chill and it sings. If you love lighter, savory reds, Sciaccarellu should be on your list.
