Vaccelli Estate

The Domaine de Vaccelli in a few words...

Le Domaine de Vaccelli, located in Cognocoli-Monticchi in the Taravo valley between Ajaccio and Propriano, is a 20-28 hectare estate that has been run under organic viticulture since 2008 and is officially certified AB/Eurofeuille. This family-run estate, now run by Nathalie and Gérard Courrèges, is one of the key references in the Ajaccio PDO for its red, white and rosé wines, rooted in an island tradition while asserting a modern, lively precision

Native grape varieties occupy a dominant place: Sciaccarellu, accounting for 81% of red plantings, is the flagship variety, accompanied by Niellucciu, Cinsault, Grenache and Carcaghjolu Neru. The whites are mainly planted with Vermentinu (92%), complemented by small plots of Ghjenuvese, Riminese or Cudiverta. This planting centered on Corsican diversity lends a strong identity to each cuvée

The vineyards of Le Domaine de Vaccelli lie on granitic arenas, well-drained, poor soils typical of Ajaccio's hillsides, where vines take root in an environment of coastal scrub and forests. The high-altitude climate tempers summers, favors slow ripening and preserves the fruit's natural acidity

Viticulture at the estate is artisanal and organic. Treatments are exclusively composed of copper, sulfur and plant decoctions, applied in a preventive and reasoned manner. No synthetic herbicides or pesticides are used. The soil is lightly tilled, and grass cover is encouraged, promoting biodiversity. Harvesting is entirely manual, with rigorous parcel sorting

The cellar at Le Domaine de Vaccelli privileges a low-interventionist approach. Fermentations are spontaneous, without industrial yeasts. Maturation takes place in foudres, demi-muids or concrete eggs, depending on the cuvée. New wood is rare, rackings limited, and sulfur is used sparingly or not at all depending on certain bottles

Among the emblematic cuvées, the cuvée Vaccelli rouge is a terroir of terroir fully expressing Sciaccarellu: dark garnet color, nose of tart red fruits and blood orange, finely tannic, joyful and structured palate, serve between 16° and 18°C, ideally decanted 30 minutes before tasting

The Granit rouge cuvée comes from a parcel-by-parcel selection on the most prestigious granite slopes. It boasts a nose of fine spices and bright red fruit, and an elegant, complex palate with a striking mineral freshness. This is a confidential wine to be enjoyed with grilled red meats or a leg of lamb after a few hours of aeration

The Rosé Vaccelli, 100% Sciaccarellu vinified by direct pressing, reveals a luminous copper color, a delicate nose blending fine herbs, summer fruits and iodized nuances of granite, and a vibrant saline palate. Aged for 18 months in foudres and demi-muids, it has a fine, lingering finish. This gourmet wine is the perfect accompaniment to seafood, octopus stew or bouillabaisse, and can age for several years

The Quartz blanc, made from a blend of old Corsican grape varieties (Carcaghjolu Biancu, Riminese, Ghjenuvese, Cudiverta), is vinified in old vats or concrete eggs. It offers a subtle mineral structure, crystalline tension and rare elegance, perfectly in tune with Corsican gastronomy or fish in light sauce

Guide des meilleurs vins de France 2025: "The Courrèges family has been farming the granitic arena terroir of the Taravo valley since 1961. Following in his father Alain's footsteps, Gérard and his wife Nathalie have invested in a quality dynamic that today favors Corsican grape varieties. Since 2021, only yeasts selected on the estate and volcanic sulfur, which has less impact on the wines, have been used. His mastery of vermentino and sciaccarellu, of ageing, and the elegance and precision of his wines place the domaine among the elite of Corsican viticulture. All the vines have been worked organically since 2008, and Ecocert certification is in progress. Two stars so well deserved."

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