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Clos Alivu, Patrimonio Rosé

Corsica, France 2015 (750mL)
$27.00
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Fruit
Earth
Body
Tannin
Acid
Alcohol

Clos Alivu, Patrimonio Rosé


Brothers Eric and Antoine Poli produced their celebrated inaugural vintage of Clos Alivu in 2005, but their deep roots can be found in the family’s estate, Domaine de Piana, on Corsica’s east coast. With a desire to set up their own shop, Eric purchased just over seven acres of old-vine Nielluccio and Vermentino in the heart of Corsica’s Patrimonio appellation. The oldest and one of the most sought-after appellations on the island, the Poli’s vineyards are found on the terraced slopes of the picturesque Poggio d’Oletta village. Thanks to the maritime influences from the Mediterranean Golfe de Saint-Florent, the Poli’s primed vineyards are protected from disease and pests. As a result, the Clos Alivu estate is essentially organic, although they have yet to seek certification. Thanks to the coastal breezes, these wines deliver ample freshness and sea-kissed complexity that is wholly unique to Corsica.
 
Alivu’s Rosé is crafted from the Nielluccio varietal, which is believed to be a descendant of Italy’s Sangiovese. Although some believe the grape could be indigenous to Corsica, the French island’s long history with Italy and the almost exact DNA of Nielluccio make it highly plausible that this distinct grape of the Patrimonio appellation in Corsica has ancient roots in Italy. Nevertheless, the island expression of the varietal delivers a freshness that is unrivaled on the mainland of Italy. Derived from terraced slopes of calcareous limestone, clay and a schist composition locally coined Petra Bianca, Alivu’s Nielluccio vines are over fifty years old and entirely hand harvested. This rosé is a product of direct press juice. It does not go through malolactic fermentation and is aged in climate-controlled vats for four months prior to bottling. The result is a rosé with the freshness of Provence coupled with the unique expression of Corsica and its Mediterranean-inspired salinity.
 
This 2015 rosé displays a pale salmon pink core with slight green and pink reflections on the rim. The incredibly complex nose is primarily driven by aromas of tangerine peel, green peach, tart strawberry, watermelon rind and lemon blossom over an array of wet rose petals, wild herbs and finely crushed limestone. This rosé possesses a beautiful fleshly texture, which unfolds into multi-dimensional flavors on the palate including tangerine, lime peel, lemon zest, melon rind, underripe strawberry and crushed rocks. The textured example has perfect tension brought by bright acidity, distinct minerality and delivers a finish that seems to linger infinitely. An absolute joy to consume, this wine is the perfect bottle to kick off any dining experience. Ideally pull from the refrigerator, decant for 20-30 minutes then serve in large bordeaux stems after the wine breathes and rises in temperature (~50F is ideal). Do not serve too cold, directly from the refrigerator, or you will lose the complex aromatics of this extraordinary rosé. The Clos Alivu rosé is a chameleon for food pairing and could pair with thousands of different dishes. For a quick trip to Corsica, prepare this classic recipe for Whole Grilled Corsican Fish with Fresh Anchovies.
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Country
France
Region
Corsica
Sub-Region
FrancePatrimonia
Soil
Calcareous Limestone, Clay, Schist
Farming
Organic (Uncertified)
Blend
Niellucio
Alcohol
12.5

France

Bourgogne

Beaujolais

Enjoying the greatest wines of Beaujolais starts, as it usually does, with the lay of the land. In Beaujolais, 10 localities have been given their own AOC (Appellation of Controlled Origin) designation. They are: Saint Amour; Juliénas; Chénas; Moulin-à Vent; Fleurie; Chiroubles; Morgon; Régnié; Côte de Brouilly; and Brouilly.

Southwestern France

Bordeaux

Bordeaux surrounds two rivers, the Dordogne and Garonne, which intersect north of the city of Bordeaux to form the Gironde Estuary, which empties into the Atlantic Ocean. The region is at the 45th parallel (California’s Napa Valley is at the38th), with a mild, Atlantic-influenced climate enabling the maturation of late-ripening varieties.

Central France

Loire Valley

The Loire is France’s longest river (634 miles), originating in the southerly Cévennes Mountains, flowing north towards Paris, then curving westward and emptying into the Atlantic Ocean near Nantes. The Loire and its tributaries cover a huge swath of central France, with most of the wine appellations on an east-west stretch at47 degrees north (the same latitude as Burgundy).

Northeastern France

Alsace

Alsace, in Northeastern France, is one of the most geologically diverse wine regions in the world, with vineyards running from the foothills of theVosges Mountains down to the Rhine River Valley below.

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