2014 Terra Santa Ile de Beaute Rosé (Corsica)

Geek note: ’Sciaccarellu’ is an obscure, rather vigorous red grape variety long-cultivated on Corsica that translates as ‘the grape that bursts under the teeth’, notable for its juiciness, thick skins and fairly low tannins. It actually originated in central Italy where it is today almost extinct and known as Mammolo, or ‘shrinking violet’, the bashful one, perhaps because the lush grapes try to hide furtively beneath a canopy of vines. For being such a delicately-tinted wine (conjuring a school of pink pearl erasers swimming by), this vibrant, textural rosé embodied an amazing range of palate-enlivening flavors, from fresh strawberries to bright raspberries to morello cherries, with added spice, saline mineral hints and cleansing acidity on the thirst-quenching finish. An absolute charmer, and a super buy!

The wines of Corsica are usually quite delicious but often very expensive. Hard to find your way to the region on a budget. We were fortunate to find this little gem of a rosé from a local growers association on the island and for an incredibly low price! It is bright with strawberry and raspberry notes. Plenty of acidity and notes of fresh green melon and minerals. A hint of sea breeze in the finish and it's like you're touring the island. Don't miss it!