Clos Venturi Altare Blanc 2021
Clos Venturi Altare Blanc
Region: Corsica, France
Vintage: 2021
Bottle size: 75cl
Grapes: Vermentinu, Biancu Gentile, Genovese, Riminese, Carcaghjolu Blanc
ABV: 13.5%
Pale straw in colour, `Altare` Blanc has a honeyed, waxy, nutty nose with notes of lemon, orange peel and tangerine. The palate is complex and refined, with precise acidity, subtle oak spice and vanilla notes. The long mineral finish and structured texture make for an excellent age worthy gastronomic wine.
Altare is a field blend from a single co-planted vineyard of the native varieties Vermentinu, Riminese, Biancu Gentile, Genovese and Carcaghjolu Biancu. This parcel was planted in 2010 at the highest point of the Clos and grows on terraced slopes in a natural amphitheatre-shaped vineyard rich in sandstone. The vines are planted on Paulsen rootstocks at a density of 5,000 vines per hectare, giving low yields of 30-35 hectolitres per hectare.
The grapes were harvested by hand. After being destemmed and gently crushed, pre-fermentation maceration took place for 48 to 72 hours to maximise the flavour extraction. The must underwent fermentation with indigenous yeasts in large oak foudres. Malolactic fermentation was only partially carried out to preserve the freshness. Following 12 months of maturation on fine lees in foudres, the wine was bottled without fining and filtration and aged for a further 6 months in bottle before release.
Clos Venturi comprises a 28-hectare vineyard within the Corsican estate of Domaine Vico, planted at 400 metres above sea level on a sandstone hill, surrounded by forests and mountains. Current winemaker Emmanuel (Manu) Venturi and his father Jean-Marc separated this plot from Domaine Vico after identifying the potential of its ancient sandstone soils and sheltered position. Manu has introduced sheep and chickens to the vineyard, providing natural fertiliser and weed control alongside beehives to further improve biodiversity. Yields are deliberately kept low and the vineyards are worked by horsepower to reduce soil compaction.