Yves Leccia Beaute Rouge YL 2024

The 1960s in Corsica saw a widespread expansion of viticulture, much of it subsidized by the French government, entailing mass planting of purportedly “noble” French grape varieties in place of the humble native cépages. That trend has now been completely turned on its head as Corsican vignerons reclaim their heritage and focus on the island’s wealth of autochthonous varieties, with great success. In this bottling from Yves Leccia, the French import Grenache—called Elegante in Corsica—takes center stage, offering fragrant notes of lavender spiced with balmy Mediterranean brush. A splash of the indigenous Niellucciu completes the blend, adding some muscle to this savory, floral red whose sunny island flavors come into focus when slightly chilled.

• After sorting, all red grapes are de-stemmed, then placed in stainless steel cuves

• Fermentation lasts 12 to 15 days with daily pump-overs

• After fermentation, the grapes are pressed and the wine is blended to taste

• Aged for 12 months