Clos Venturi '1769' Rouge 2023

In Short

A Corsican blend of Nielluccio and Grenache from high-altitude vines, with bright red fruit, mineral structure, and the kind of grip that pairs beautifully with roasted meats.

Quick Facts

• Region: Corsica, France
• Variety: Nielluccio, Grenache
• Style: Dry red
• Best For: Dinner with roasted or grilled meats

Why We Stock It

Corsica produces some of France's most underrated reds, and this bottling shows why. The combination of altitude and granite-based soils yields wines with real freshness and minerality that punch above their price point. If you like wines from Southern Rhône or Languedoc but want something with a bit more tension and lift, Corsican reds deserve exploration.

Tasting Profile

A wine with clear red fruit character and a marked mineral edge.

• Aroma: Red cherry, wild herbs, slate
• Palate: Cherry, white pepper, with a granular minerality that builds toward the finish
• Structure & Finish: Medium body, firm acidity, dry tannins that grip without heaviness

Winemaking

Fermented and aged in a mix of stainless steel and older wood vessels to preserve freshness while developing complexity. The wine sees no new oak, allowing the fruit and terroir to remain the focus.

Serving & Pairing

Serve at 62 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit. No decanting needed. The wine cuts well through lamb shoulder or a grilled steak, and its mineral backbone makes it an excellent match for Corsican charcuterie or a simple roasted chicken with garlic and herbs. The acidity keeps it lively enough for casual weeknight drinking while the structure holds up to more substantial fare.

The Estate

Clos Venturi is a small family grower working on the island's windswept high plateau. They farm their own vines with minimal intervention and focus on expressing the specific character of their terroir rather than making wines that follow a commercial template.

Terroir

The vineyard sits at altitude in the interior of Corsica, where cool nights and granite-based soils give the wines their characteristic mineral edge and bright acidity. The maritime influence moderates summer heat, ripening the grapes fully while preserving freshness. This combination of altitude, granite, and sea air is what makes Corsican wines taste quite unlike anything from mainland France.