Domaine Vico Vin de Corse Clos Venturi 1769 Blanc 2014
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Domaine Vico, the only vineyard located in Corsica’s interior, is located a one-hour drive south of St-Florent. The vineyard setting is magnificent, between 300 and 400m in altitude, with nearby peaks rising to 2,200m. In the summer growing season, daytime temperatures can reach 35°C, while at night they can drop to below 15°C. Domaine Vico has two parcels of vines. The 80ha around Ponte Leccia, which has two distinct soil types (one section, river pebbles and sandy-clay, the other, mostly clay and limestone, interspersed with schist), is planted with Vermentinu, Niellucciu, Sciaccarellu, Grenache and Syrah. The domaine’s Clos Venturi parcel is 5km away, 100m higher up the mountain, and located on schist-laden slopes with a south, southeastern exposure. This is at the limit of the winemaking zone in Corsica; winter temperatures at this altitude can drop to -10°C at night. The effect of this terroir, along with lower yields, hand-harvesting in multiple passages, and more careful winemaking is startling
With hundreds of white grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended white wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used in white wine blends, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a variety that creates a soft and full-bodied white wine blend, like Chardonnay, would do well combined with one that is more fragrant and naturally high in acidity. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
A mountainous, Mediterranean island covered in vineyards, Corsica, while closer to Italy in proximity and history, is today under France's political jurisdiction. The island is home to a mix of Italian and French grapes, typically planted at high elevations. Niellucciu (Sangiovese), Sciacarellu (Mammolo), and Vermentino (Rolle) are the main grape varieties of Corsica, and account for about two thirds of all Corsican wines produced.