Time to pair another Christmas tradition with wine. Growing up, my mom would hit up Target and Pier One the day AFTER Christmas to stock up on wrapping paper, boxes, and bows for the next year. I still carry on that tradition and have my own collection of festive papers and ribbon. Wrapping presents is so therapeutic to me, so it goes perfectly with a nice glass of wine. As I wrapped up my first batch, I poured myself some 2017 Domaine Vetriccie Ile De Beauté Rosé.

Located in the town of Aghione, on the Costa Serena, the Vetriccie estate bought by the Barcelo family in 1966 is truly expressive of a Corsican wine. The estate covers over 120 hectares in the heart of the appellation AOP Vin de Corse. The terroir is located between sea and mountain, and the soil around Aléria is characterized by its clay sediments left over by the evaporation of the Miocene sea. It’s currently owned by Daniel Barcelo, whose past wine experience is in the new world but has an excitement for Corsican nature.

This wine is made with 40% Niellucciu, 30% Sciaccarellu, 15% Grenache, and 15% Merlot. Grapes are picked at night at low temperatures in order to preserve
their aromas and avoid oxidation. Pressed and drained immediately, fermentation at 16 degrees with automatic temperature control. The wine is light pink in color with salmon hues. On the nose, I got berries and peaches. It’s crisp and fruity with nice acidity and balance. You can get it at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits for $9.99, so it’s quite the value. I paired it with Christmas wrapping and cheer.