Domaine Fazi 'Ile de Beaute' IGP Rose 2021

A great introduction to Corsican rosé, this showcases the island’s more rocky and chiselled take on the style (relative to Provence).  Tight, tense, saline, with pink grapefruit and watermelon and citrus rind, it’s underpinned with granitic minerals and bone dry.  The international varieties in the blend give a little more generosity around its fine, lean feel – only 11.5% alcohol.  Sophisticated IGP wine.

Nielluccio, Syrah, Grenache and Sciacarello. I think this is the first Fazi to have Nielluccio as the dominant grape. It’s thought to be similar (or a version of) Sangiovese. But who knows? Corsicans likely keep their secrets closely guarded. Importer: FelixR

"Red cherry, fennel, watermelon, almond and some rosehip/floral perfume. It’s red fruited, a little slippery and viscous, but fresh too, a light powdery texture, pink grapefruit, and a subtle sweet/spicy finish of good length. Juicy fun. Serving it cold is not a problem."  Rating: 91.  Gary Walsh.  The Wine Front.