The Wildness of Beauty III

(Continued from “The Wildness of Beauty II” on 27 March 2015)

For those who enjoy not only the sensual pleasure brought about by the vinous experience but also a sense of cultural discovery, Corsica has much to offer, punching well above its weight, as its story is no less than the amalgamation of Mediterranean history.
The island of Corsica has been continuously inhabited since the Stone Age. It was certainly known to the seafaring Phoenicians from the Levant and, in the subsequent centuries, it was occupied and colonised variously by the Carthaginians (offspring of the Phoenicians), Greeks and Etruscans (dubious predecessors of the Romans). Consequent to the First Punic War, Corsica – along with Sardinia – was ceded by the Phoenicians to their arch-rivals the Romans.
Despite its production of wine and other agricultural products such as honey, resin and was, Corsica was generally regarded as one of the backwater regions of the Roman world; indeed, the island was quite so remote that it was often used as a place of relegation and exile, e.g. Lucius Annaeus Seneca (or Seneca the Younger in English). This could well be the origin of the myth – or reputation – of Corsican ferocity: first, albeit an important exporter centre, Corsica was known for its rebellious slaves; second, in the early days of Christianity, Corsica was home to a disproportionately large number of martyrs, e.g. Saint Devota and Saint Julia, patrons of the island.
Subsequent to the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Corsica was invaded by the Vandals – so senselessly destructive were they that the term “vandalism” originated therefrom – and the Ostrogoths, and briefly recovered by the Eastern Roman Empire under Justinian I and his general Flavius Belisarius, dubbed ultimus romanorum (“last of the Romans”) for his military prowess and expertise.
The Dark Ages saw Corsica change hands numerous times amongst what the Romans wou  ld have considered barbarians, until the Republic of Pisa and the Republic of Genoa cleared the island of Saracen (i.e. Arab Muslim) influence. The two maritime republics would later on fight for the control of Corsica, and the victor, the Republic of Genoa, would hold the island until 18the century, fighting off Aragonese and Papal influence.

Clos Venturi Blanc 2013
A single-varietal Vermentino from Corse AOC. Luminous citrine with pastel golden reflex, the classy nose offers lime peel, green apple, apricot pit, lime blossom and crushed seashell. With generous acidity and structured minerality, the nuanced palate delivers calamansi, peach, greengage, fresh herbs and oyster shell. Medium-fill bodied at 13.5%, the vibrant entry continues through an exuberant mid-palate, leading to an elegant finish.

Clos Culombu Cuvée Ribbe Rosse 2012
A blend of Nielluccio and Sciaccarello from Corse-Calvi AOC. Rich garnet with vivid cardinal-carmine rim, the floral nose presents red cherry, plum, eucalyptus, maquis and violet. With juicy acidity and silky tannins, the harmonious palate dispenses mulberry, black cherry, allspice, rooibos tea and tobacco. Medium-bodied at 14%, the fleshy entry continues through a succulent mid-palate, leading to a scented finish.

Clos Venturi Rosé 2013
A single-varietal Sciaccarello from Corse AOC. Translucent salmon-pink with light copper reflex, the uplifting nose provides whitecurrants, cantaloupe, fresh herbs and geranium. With energetic acidity and traces of tannins, the vivacious palate supplies red apple peel, rose hip, pot pouri and rose petal. Medium-bodied at 13%, the fragrant entry carries onto a joyous mid-palate, leading to a tantalising finish.

Clos Culombu 2012
A blend of Nielluccio, Sciaccarello Syrah and Grenache from Corse-Calvi AOC. Bright garnet with shimmering cardinal-carmine rim, the elegant nose effuses cranberry, red cherry, nutmeg, maquis and violet. With abundant acidity and tasty tannins, the stylish palate effuses cassis, black cherry, eucalyptus, liquorice and forest mushroom. Medium-full bodied at 13.5%, the lush entry carries onto a melodious mid-palate, leading to a lingering finish.

By Jacky I.F. Cheong

To be continued…

To discover the charm of the Island of Beauty, contact Mr Vincent Cervoni of the Corsican Wine Board (Asia); W: www.asia.vinsdecorse.com; E: vincent@vinsdecorse.com

Jacky I.F. Cheong is a legal professional by day and columnist by night. Having spent his formative years in Britain, F
rance, and Germany, he regularly writes about wine, fine arts, classical music, and politics in several languages