2023 Le Bois du Cerf Rouge, Domaine Vico

• Style: Juicy, herb-edged red blend
• Taste: Cherry depth, rosemary spice, dried rose, wild herbs
• Food: Stews, game, roast dinners, pasta, beef
• Occasion: Weeknight or Sunday lunch
• Serve: 13.5% ABV, bone dry, chill slightly

In the Glass — Tasting Notes

Copper-edged brightness opens to red and black cherry at the core, threaded through with dried rose and wild herbs. On the palate, vibrant and lithe—spice and rosemary push through the fruit rather than hiding beneath it. Acidity stays sharp, tannins settle smoothly, and the whole thing drinks with energy that makes you reach for another glass. At 13.5% alcohol and balanced to near-perfect pitch, this wine works as hard at dinner as mid-week.

The Winery — Domaine Vico

Established in 1901 by Jean Vico with 49 hectares planted in north-east Corsica, the estate fell into disrepair until 1986, when Jean-Marc Venturi and François Acquaviva recognised its potential and rebuilt it from the ground up. Emmanuel Venturi, known as Manu, joined his father in the late 1990s and now owns the Domaine. Their focus on indigenous varieties—Niellucciu (a relative of Sangiovese) and Sciaccarellu (Tuscany's Mammolo)—combined with sustainable and biodynamic practices, has earned them a place among Corsica's top producers. The 49 hectares sit in the foothills north-east of Ponte Leccia at 300 metres elevation on schist and basalt. The 2023 vintage proved brutal—spring frosts, hail at flowering, then record July heat and drought—but deep roots and August rain saved the harvest. Lower yields delivered higher concentration. The 45-day post-fermentation maceration in concrete shapes the wine's intensity and vibrant character.

At Your Table — Food Pairing & Serving

This is a wine that rewards attention at the table. Pair it with grilled lamb, herb-roasted vegetables, charcuterie, or roasted pork—anything with rosemary and garlic finds its match here. Equally at home with stews, game, roast dinners, pasta, and beef, Le Bois du Cerf earns its place as a food-friendly workhorse. Etienne de Montille's endorsement of Manu's single-site wines speaks to the care evident in every bottle. Explore more of our Corsica selection to discover what the island's indigenous varieties achieve in the hands of respectful winemakers. This is one of France's most distinctive red-wine regions, and Le Bois du Cerf proves that Corsica's best producers sit at the top table.