2021-C Domaine Maestracci 'Clos Reginu' Corse Calvi Rouge, Corsica, France (750ml)
About the Icons
A Monthly Wine Club Selection
Deep, dark ruby hue. Inviting aromas of juicy, red and black fruit and garrigue. The palate is fresh and young, with prominent flavors of black and red cherry, blackberry and currant. Medium bodied, with plenty of fruit, and a solid acid backbone balanced with moderate tannins through the finish.
Clos Reginu is a blend of 35% Niellucciu, 30% Grenache, 15% Sciaccarellu, 15% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre from 5–25-year-old vines, grown in clay, sand and granite soils. All the grapes were picked by hand and vinified separately before being blended. Given the particularity of the terroir and the diverse influence of the temperature variations and granite soils, Camille allows her red wines an extended time to age and mellow in large oak casks before bottling and release.
The modern-day Domaine Maestracci can trace its origins back to 1893 when Pierre-Paul Tomasini purchased a farm at the foothills of Monte Grossu in the upper Reginu Valley of northern Corsica. Situated on a granite plateau in E Prove, this is an area long associated with wine growing, and held in high esteem by the locals for its’ famous microclimate. There was a large olive mill on the property that was built in 1850 and supplied most of France with its olive oil. However, by the end of the 19th century, grape vines were beginning to replace the olive trees on the estate, and in 1945 the olive mill closed down. Pierre-Paul's grandson, Roger Maestracci, saw an excellent opportunity for wine, and took over. He started acquiring more land over the next several decades, eventually planting the estate's vineyard in 1973. He quickly gained a reputation as one of the island's leading producers making distinctive wines from his Niellucciu (Sangiovese), Sciaccarellu (Mammolo), Vermentinu (Vermentino) and Grenache vines. In 1981, when he was ready to retire, he passed the domaine on to his daughter, Dominique, and his son-in-law, Michel Raoust. They have since handed the reins to their daughter, Camille Anaïs, who now presides over the 29-hectare estate, which now also includes plantings of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Ugni Blanc.