2012 Clos Canarelli, Corse Figari Rouge, Corsican Red, France.
Yves Canarelli’s winery on Corsica is located near the small inland hamlet of Tarabuetta above the Gulf of Figari, with vines on a high windswept plateau. Yves is a local legend being a firm believer in the historic native varietals and the local terroir, going so far as ripping out acres of international grapes and he has adopted all organic and biodynamic practices to make the truest wine he can. These are rare and beautiful wines, with the whites being made of single varietal Vermentinu, the Corsican clone of Rolle/Vermentino and the exceptionally rare Biancu Gentile, plus an array of red field blends like this glorious 2012 Corse Figari Rouge which is comprised of 80% Niellucciu, 15% Syrah and 5% Sciaccarellu grown on loam and granite soils. This combination makes for a rich and opulent wine that is like a blend of Brunello di Montalcino and Chateauneuf-du-Pape, with Niellucciu being a clone of Sangiovese, and Sciaccarellu a clone of Mammolo a rare Tuscan grape found in Rosso di Montalcino, with the Syrah adding color and plumy Rhone like character. The 2012 Clos Canarelli Corse Figari red starts with mineral, pepper, rose petals, dried herbs and plenty of red fruits that jump from the glass, plum, raspberry, mulberry and strawberry along with anise, tobacco leaf, minty lavender, chalky stones and earthy/truffle notes. This is stunning and has glorious length and detail with smooth tannins, a full body and graceful balance throughout, drink from 2015 to 2020.
($40-45 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
