You could do worse than to be a vintner in Corsica. (Like being one in Uzbekistan.) The French collectivité territoriale – meaning they don’t take all their orders from the Élysée Palace – is a resplendent island in the Mediterranean, vaguely equidistant from Provence and Tuscany.
Yet its wines have lurked in the shadows if its famously epicurean neighbors, especially in the US market. But this week, from April 8 – 10, “Being” By Wines Of Corsica, will showcase the island’s best oenophilic offerings in a most artful setting.
Taking place at the Openhouse Mulberry Gallery in New York’s Soho, the event will feature representatives from top Corsican producers, along with wine tastings and daily seminars. The space was specially designed by Mexican painter Gabriela Bravo Clavello and Beatrice Inn Wine Director Aaron Zeebrook – both of whom spent ten days on the island during harvest season.
For those unable to attend, we asked La Nuit En Rosé founder Pierrick Bouquet to offer his top Corsican wine picks for spring tippling.
Clos Venturi Rosé 2014
A fruity and crisp Rosé made with 100% Sciaccarellu grapes and has a smooth body and is pale red in color.
Clos Culombu Rosé 2014
An elegant dry pink wine with fruity notes made with 50% Niellucciu, 30% Sciacarellu and 20% Grenache and pairs perfectly with fish.
Domaine Vico White 2014
A rich and refreshing full-bodied Mediterranean white wine with strong floral aromas and made with 100% Vermentinu grapes.
Domaine Maestracci E Prove Red 2012
A full-bodied French red wine with a deep black cherry color and has hints of spices, liquorice and red fruits. It pairs well with meat and is made from Nielluccio, Sciaccarello, Grencache and Syrah Grapes.
Domaine de Torraccia Reserve Oriu Rouge 2011
A dense, fruity and elegant red wine with an opaque red color, made from 80% Niellucciu grapes and 20% Sciaccarellu grapes.
Photos by Aaron Zeebrook