Chemin de Croix 2023 Clos Venturi | Corsica

Clos Venturi’s Chemin de Croix is one of the rarest and most unique wines produced in Corsica. Nestled in the heart of the estate’s vineyard, this high-altitude micro-parcel rests on granitic soils mixed with limestone scree. The cuvée’s name reflects the arduous nature of the work carried out on this mineral-rich, hard-to-reach vineyard, where everything is done by hand in accordance with rigorous biodynamic viticulture practices. Here, nature sets the pace, and each vintage is the result of total dedication. The Le Chemin de Croix cuvée is made from Niellucciu, Corsica’s iconic grape variety, planted on this steep hillside. Combined with additive-free winemaking and aging in used demi-muids, this grape variety delivers an intense and nuanced expression of its terroir. The wine is neither filtered nor fined, in order to preserve all its energy and natural texture.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin: Clos Venturi’s Le Chemin de Croix is a meditation wine that sincerely captures a place and a craft. This high-altitude Niellucciu stands out for its structure, aromatic depth, and tactile dimension. It is a cuvée in a class of its own, for those who appreciate wines with character, hailing from Corsica’s great terroirs.

On the nose, the wine opens with aromas of black cherry, wild blackberry, and fine leather. Notes of licorice, dry garrigue, and blond tobacco enrich the bouquet. After aeration, one can also detect a hint of smoke and black pepper, typical of the grape variety and the aging process.

On the palate, the attack is full-bodied, supported by a structure of ripe tannins. The black fruits are present, enveloped in a dense texture yet balanced by a subtle freshness. The texture is supple and persistent, with beautiful aromatic depth. On the finish, hints of earth, sweet spices, and resin delightfully prolong the tasting experience.