In the 1980s, Jean-Marc Venturi bought Domaine Vico, the highest winery in Corsica and the only one located in the center of the island and not near the coast.
In 2005 he founded Clos Venturi with his son Manu, for which the best location of Domaine Vico was spun off in order to produce top wines from mostly traditional Corsican vines. The only "invader" in the grape portfolio is Syrah.
Clos Venturi is made up of a sandstone hill with different topsoils such as granite, pebbles, basalt and slate in its remote valley, which is not otherwise used for viticulture. Due to the altitude, it is so cold here that snowfalls are not uncommon in winter. This means that the wines have a completely different structure, as one would expect in this Mediterranean area. They are more reminiscent of plants from continental climates. They have freshness, bite and a lot of elegance, more than juicy fruit and southern opulence. In addition, they can mature very well in the bottle, so they don't have to be drunk young.
The Venturis also rely on sustainable viticulture; they have been practicing biodynamic cultivation since 2006 and the wines have been certified organic since 2020. The horse and sheep in the photo above are important "employees" in the vineyard. The former plows, the sheep keep the growth in the vine rows low and also fertilize.
The wines from Clos Venturi are undoubtedly among the very best in Corsica and are completely independent in character. Friends of Burgundy or Loire wines will really enjoy this.
