2015 Domaine Maestracci 'Clos Reginu' Corse Calvi

Corsica has been better known for being Napoleon Bonaparte's homeland than for its wine. That will be changing, if the likes of the 2015 Domaine Maestracci "Clos Reginu" Corse Calvi ($16) are any indication. This red blend (niellucciu, grenache, sciaccarellu, syrah and mourvèdre) is a thoroughly European wine, with a striking wild-herb nose and super-bright, mouthwatering red fruit, sturdy from the outset and a surpassingly smooth finish. I can't imagine a better introduction to the wines of this French-controlled isle. Bonus points for the alcohol content (12.5 percent). Cassoulet season might be waning, but this beauty also would play well with roasted or grilled fowl and slow-cooked root veggies.

Available at Cork Dork, McDonald's, South Lyndale and Sunfish Cellars.Bill Ward