Nicolas Mariotti Bindi Suchju 2024

Nicolas Mariotti Bindi returned to Corsica after training in Beaujolais to make natural, native-variety wines on his home island. Suchju is built on Niellucciu, the Corsican name for Sangiovese, the same grape behind Chianti and Brunello but grown here in a warm, sea-girt Mediterranean climate on schist and granite soils. The constant maritime influence and the scrubland that surrounds the vines, the herbal maquis, mark the wine with a savoury, herbal freshness. It is farmed organically and made with minimal intervention, fermented and aged twelve months in concrete tanks rather than oak. Concrete is neutral and breathes gently, so it rounds the wine and lets it settle without adding any wood flavour, keeping the fruit pure and the texture supple. The low alcohol of 10.5 per cent reflects an early, fresh picking and gives a light, drinkable style. The wine pours a bright cherry red. The nose is lively, with ripe strawberry and cherry, redcurrant and the wild thyme and herb character of the maquis, over a clean earthy note. The palate is light bodied and crunchy, with soft tannins, fresh acidity and a peppery, savoury finish. Serve lightly chilled at 13 to 15 degrees.