Winemaker Notes
The big news at Maestracci recently has been the conversion to biodynamic agriculture. As with many of her peers in Corsica, when Camille-Anaïs Raoust took over the reins of the domaine a few years back, one of her first steps forward was to push a more natural, holistic approach in the vineyards and the cellar. While previous generations weren’t necessarily hostile to that idea, they were concerned about the associated risks, such as lower yields, and increased production costs. Maestracci, who has long been one of the better values of the island, is trying hard to balance these concerns, doing their best to keep the wines healthy for the environment and your wallets, and fun for us. With the 2022 vintage, Raoust succeeds on those fronts.
A fantastic, aromatic white grape that grows with great success in Sardinia, Tuscany and in lesser proportions on the island of Corsica. Somm Secret—Vermentino is thought to be genetically identical to Liguria’s Pigato grape and Peidmont’s Favorita. It comprises a large proportion of the whites in southern France where it is called Rolle.
A mountainous, Mediterranean island covered in vineyards, Corsica, while closer to Italy in proximity and history, is today under France's political jurisdiction. The island is home to a mix of Italian and French grapes, typically planted at high elevations. Niellucciu (Sangiovese), Sciacarellu (Mammolo), and Vermentino (Rolle) are the main grape varieties of Corsica, and account for about two thirds of all Corsican wines produced.