Patrimonio Rouge A Mandria

A Mandria Rouge is a 100% Nielluciù from the noble terroir of Patrimonio. Some people would say that Nielluciù (nee-uh-LOOCH) is the same grape as Sangiovese, but any smart visitor to Corsica would be wiser to call it a close cousin. Like the famous grape from Tuscany, Nielluciù produces elegant and rich red wines with fine tannins that greatly benefits from time in bottle.  A Mandria comes from different lieu-dits throughout the estate’s 7 hectares in Patrimonio, which are  composed of mostly clay-limestone with occasional schist. It’s a wine that demands patience, as it needs several years in bottle before it’s fully expressive, but once it opens up, it’s an incredible accompaniment to roasted or grilled meats and any richly flavored dishes. " A Mandria means ""sheepfold"" in Corsican. This cuvée comes from a one hectare, northeast facing lieu-dit named Morsaglia that sits on limestone and clay soils. The vines were planted in 2006. Hand-harvested in small bins. Native yeast fermentation, aged on the lees in stainless steel. No additions beyond sulfur before bottling."