In 1993 Yves Canarelli took over his family domaine at the southern tip of Corsica. The standard template for chasing success was well established - international grape varieties, made in a full-bodied, critic-pleasing style. But Canarelli chose a different path, an act of faith that meant ripping out entire vineyards and replanting them with traditional Corsican varieties. More than thirty years later that faith has been rewarded. The wines of Clos Canarelli are thrilling, unique, and now highly desirable. They have become fine wine benchmarks for the region.
This part of southern Corsica has a rich vinous heritage. Grapes have been grown in what is now the Corse Figari appellation since the 5th century. Its granite soils are home to an abundance of vine varieties traditional to the area. To craft wines that truly express this terroir, Canarelli takes a simple, bold approach. The vineyards are farmed biodynamically. In the cellar he favours slow fermentations, always with wild yeasts. The wines are matured mostly in barrel, with some amphorae. It’s a thoughtful, old-school method with modern touches, and it produces wines that are aromatic, elegant and uniquely Corsican.
