Domaine Vico DOMAINE VICO Les Parcellaires ‘A Mina’ Blanc 2021

The history of the A Mina cuvée is part of that of an extraordinary estate. Domaine Vico, one of the oldest in Corsica, was founded in 1901 under the leadership of Jean Vico, convinced of the potential of its terroirs for producing great wines. Located on a geological chaos at an altitude of nearly 400 meters and surrounded by mountains, it acquired a great reputation in the 1960s before gradually falling into oblivion.

In 1986, the Venturi family took over the estate and undertook a colossal task to restore its former glory. Located in the heart of Corsica, at the crossroads of Bastia, Ajaccio, and Calvi, the vineyard enjoys an exceptional environment.

Under the leadership of Manu Venturi and his father, the estate has been moving towards strict viticulture, banning herbicides and insecticides for over 15 years. This approach culminated in the conversion to biodynamics in 2020.

The A Mina cuvée owes its name to its birthplace, a truly extraordinary terroir. The Vermentinu plot is located on the former Ponte-Leccia copper mine. The vines, planted in 1982, thrive on a southeast-facing slope composed of blue schists and basalts that are particularly rich in copper (and iron oxides). This uniqueness gives the wine an intense mineral sensation and a texture that is both stony and invigorating on the palate.

Harvesting is done manually, followed by vinification and aging in concrete eggs, preserving the expression of the terroir. After this phase, the wine is allowed to rest in the bottle before being sold. A total of 30 months are required to produce this long-aging Vermentinu.

As imposing as the grandiose landscapes surrounding the estate, the nose of this wine reveals a kind of quiet strength. Initially veiled by a refreshing morning mist, it exudes aromas of chalk, pumice, and wet grass that intrigue and captivate. Then, as day breaks, the picture brightens and reveals luminous notes of orange, quince, and rosewater. Little by little, they envelop us, revealing themselves delicately. The warmth of the terroir infuses gourmand accents of roasted pineapple, while hints of licorice stick and anise bring subtle depth. Aromas of acacia and verbena add a floral and lemony nuance to this ever-evolving nose.

From the outset, the dense, silky texture evokes linden honey, offering a comforting sensation. A hint of citrus, around kumquat, clementine, and blood orange, infuses a lively, juicy acidity, balancing the wine's power. On the mid-palate, the freshness intensifies with a salivating bitterness and nuances of maquis, between nepita flower, oregano, and wild mint. The finish, long and vibrant, stretches out on spicy and warm accents, summoning myrtle alcohol and Espelette pepper. This wine, from a terroir of character, will gain in wisdom and complexity after a few years in the cellar, then revealing its full scope.

Rather large glasses and a serving temperature between 10 and 12°C are ideal for this gastronomic wine. It will be perfect with a dish favoring umami flavors, such as pork loin with confit shallots, deglazed with soy sauce and accompanied by lightly seared white morels. It can also be enjoyed with something more summery and fresh, such as a crunchy salad seasoned with a curry vinaigrette, garnished with Corsican tomme cheese and frosted pomegranate.